Players: Pre Leeds v Cardiff

Last updated : 04 August 2023 By Michael Morris

Joe Ralls:

“I think we’re in a really good place.”

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“We had a good pre-season and made some top signings. That creates that excitement and everyone is really looking forward to getting going.

“You can feel that positivity and I think that’s massive for the players as well, to know that the fans are excited for the new season, they’re excited by the direction the Club is going in.

“The new manager and the new signings help with that and every time we’ve had success here, it’s when the Club has been really together with everyone pulling in the same direction. It feels like we’re doing that right now.”

Callum O'Dowda:

“There’s a lot of positivity going into the new season. Last year, there was a lot of change, but this season I feel that there is a real sense of stability in the Club. I’d say it’s really exciting times if you look at the players we’ve brought in.

"Pre-season was tough; we were worked hard and it was a bit different for me, because I had time off with the national team, so I had a bit more time off and gave my legs a bit of a rest. I played a lot of games last season as opposed to the two seasons before.

“I’ve really enjoyed pre-season and I’ve enjoyed playing more games in pre-season than we would normally. The manager really wanted as many games as we could, which really helped to implement what he wanted. It’s difficult to replicate that in training.

 “As a whole, it’s been really good and really refreshing. The management have come in and really put their mark down on what they want.

“You can tell from his first interview at the Club that he wants to play on the front foot, and play aggressive football. He wants honest players and ultimately, it’s down to us on the pitch.”

Liam Cooper (Leeds):

“You’ve got to be prepared to stand up, fight and dig in. Games are always tight in this league.

“We can’t wait for it [kick-off against Cardiff]. Pre-season is good to get your minutes in, but there is not that sense of a three points on it.

“This is the fun stuff now, this is where players are tested and what players live for. Going out there in front of a packed out Elland Road on a Sunday afternoon will be brilliant.

“We’ve got players who will be experiencing it for the first time so I hope they enjoy it, it’s the start of a new chapter now. 

“Hopefully we can get it rolling early doors with a big three points, it would be massive for us in front of our own fans.

“Let’s get everyone on the same hymn sheet and get those stands bouncing again, it’s an intimidating place when it’s like that.

“We’ve got to deliver on the pitch and the fans will bring that.”