Leeds United are set to be handed a major boost as news emerges from Thorp Arch about some key work being undergone at the club's training ground.
What's the story?
After having to relay the pitch at Elland Road earlier last season due to the awful conditions, the Whites have now begun work on their training ground, with head groundsman at Thorp Arch, Stefan Jones, posting a picture on Twitter of the progress so far.
And in response, former Leeds man Noel Whelan spoke of just how important it is for the pitches at Thorp Arch to be in top condition and saying that it could give Bielsa a real advantage.
He said: "Our pitch is definitely getting dug up. They’re going to spend a lot of money on getting the surface right at Elland Road. I think when you think about the style of play that we like to play, it’s imperative that you get the pitches, training pitches, everything that’s going to give you that extra edge over other teams.
"The surface is a massive part of it, the way we play. We’re on the deck, we’re quick, we’re a very counter-attacking side. It is two or three passes that lead to a goal.
"You get a feel of it and for progression of players, this is what you need to have now. You know you need to have those standards set high on and off the field.
"That’s exactly what Leeds United are doing. They’re not going to leave any money in the bank not to give everyone that added advantage to play the style of football that’s been so attractive to watch."
Bielsa will be relieved
Given the kind of football that Leeds like to play - fast, counter-attacking and slick on the ground - ensuring that their preparation ahead of the actual game at the weekend is done on surfaces that reflect a top-tier Premier League pitch will be much welcome.
[snack-amp-story url="https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/leeds-united-marcelo-bielsa-transfer-gossip-rumours-news-elland-road-rodrigo-de-paul" title="Read the latest Leeds transfer rumours and news!"]
The state of the pitch at Elland Road came under a lot of scrutiny and there's no questioning that Bielsa himself would not have been happy at how it turned out.
The fact that work is already being done back at Thorp Arch to ensure the training grounds are up to scratch, will give the Leeds boss a bit of confidence that the club are taking the right steps to ensuring things are much better prepared this time around.
Getting Thorp Arch in prime condition is a great start. Making sure Elland Road is the same will be the next step.