Ethan Ampadu: It is about getting mileage in the legs | OneFootball

Leeds United faced German outfit SC Verl in their second pre-season test, putting in a commanding performance to run out 4-1 winners at the SPORTCLUB Arena.

Daniel Farke named two different sides to play a 60-minute match each, with a Joël Piroe brace firing United to a two-goal lead at the hour break, before goals from Willy Gnonto and Lukas Nmecha came in the second period.

Speaking after the full-time whistle, club captain Ethan Ampadu explained how important fixtures like these are.

“It was good,” the skipper told LUTV. “Obviously a little bit extended with it being two 60 minutes but, no, it was nice especially after Saturday. Pre-season is all about getting mileage in the legs, getting the fitness back.

“It was good opposition. They made it difficult. We had to adapt. There were times where we wanted to keep the ball more.

“This is what pre-season is for, we knew it was going to be a hard training camp. We had a good decent day yesterday followed by today, so it has been good work.”

The encounter also provided some of the club’s new signings to take to the field once more, with Ampadu delighted with how well they have integrated into the squad.

“Very impressed,” the Wales international continued. “Not just me, but all the lads. I said before the Manchester United game that the way that they have adapted and settled has been great to see. And I think that has shown in performances as well.

“[We are] trying to obviously build the togetherness. We have got some new faces. I think that was something that we built here last time.

“And I think that was shown throughout the season in difficult moments, so obviously that is the baseline again.”