Bielsa’s unusual behind-the-scenes techniques to get most out of Leeds

While other players enjoyed a short break or worked on their golf handicap during the international break, Leeds’ Adam Forshaw visited some critically-ill kids.

Forshaw went to Leeds General Infirmary’s paediatric intensive care unit to promote the club’s partnership with the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund based there, which raises money for life-saving equipment.

Forshaw, who became a dad when son Luca was born in February, was moved by the kids’ plight and his act reflects the wider sense of community manager Marcelo Bielsa has instilled in his squad.

Bielsa has burst the cosy bubble players live inside and makes his squad collect litter at their Thorp Arch training ground to remind them of how hard fans work.

Forshaw said: “He said the fans have to work hard all week to pay for their tickets to watch us and he wanted to make us more aware of the privileged situation we’re in.

“Also Thorp Arch is our home and we want it to be pristine. He wants to raise standards throughout the club.

“He’s tried to create a culture of humility and respect and it’s worked. We’re a hard-working team and we’re a humble set of lads.

“If doing things like this makes you better people, then you will get more out of yourself and the team.”

The players have bought into Bielsa’s philosophy, even his double training sessions last week to ensure they can keep playing his high-tempo possession style.

Forshaw, 27, says their graft has paid off with vital late goals and rejects claims they will eventually tire in the unforgiving 46-game marathon that is the Championship.

“We’re fit and we’re scoring a lot of late goals,” said the former Everton starlet. “We did it against Brentford, Sheffield Wednesday and Millwall.

“A lot has been said about us possibly tiring, but if you recover well, then there’s no reason why we can’t keep up this standard and intensity.

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“We’re professional in how we look after ourselves. We’ve shown no signs of letting up yet, so I don’t think that will happen.”

The much-respected Bielsa has created a buzz around Leeds, not seen since David O’Leary’s reign.

The Argentinian’s revolution is sweeping through every corner of Leeds. He is re-shaping the entire club and sketched alterations to Thorp Arch, including living quarters for the players, in June before he had even taken over.

Fans feel he can end Leeds’ long 14-year exile from the top flight and Forshaw, who won promotion to the Premier League with Middlesbrough in 2016, shares that belief.

“We’ve got everything in place,” said the midfielder, who cost £4.5million from Boro in January. “If we can keep producing the performances, we’ll be right up there.

“As players, all we can do is learn from the manager. His career is second to none and if his knowledge rubs off on us, then we’ll get the goal we want.”

* The Children’s Heart Surgery Fund is Leeds United’s charity partner for this season. Donations to the Fund can be made by either texting LUFC19 with a donation to 70070 or visiting https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/all-leeds-all-heart.

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