Leeds United moved into play-off contention with a win at Elland Road.
Garry Monk has suggested that his Leeds United side have been grateful for the fact that they have not had a game in midweek ahead of the weekend’s clash against Norwich City, the Yorkshire Evening Post reports.
The Whites’ continued progress in the EFL Cup means that they have had five midweek fixtures since the beginning of September.
Leeds United manager Garry Monk
And while Leeds’ current form may leave some supporters wishing that they were capitalising on that momentum by playing more regularly, Monk has suggested that their performance in their last game – a 2-0 win over Burton Albion – makes the break a very welcome one.
“We’re quite used to having short turnarounds so it’ll be interesting to see how the players are this week,” he said, as reported by the Yorkshire Evening Post.
Leeds United players celebrate winning the penalty shoot out against Norwich
“But you could see that physically and mentally we were on the edge (on Saturday) after giving everything. You could see that we were very tired towards the end. Our strength of character got us through again and that was pleasing to see but for sure, the players earned a little rest. Then we’ll be ready to work again because we’ve got an important game coming up at the weekend.”
Although Norwich were thrashed in their last game, and were the side that Leeds beat on penalties in the cup last week, Alex Neil’s men are still very much in the promotion mix, so it is hardly surprising that Monk wants his squad to be as rested as possible before Saturday’s trip to Carrow Road.
And interestingly, Leeds have only won two midweek games in 90 minutes so far this season – both of which came against Blackburn, who sit second bottom in the table – so not having a fixture during the week may turn out to be the best way for the Peacocks to keep their current momentum anyway.
Leeds’ Chris Wood celebrates after he scores their first goal
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