Pascal Struijk: It was a tough session today | OneFootball

Leeds United’s first-team squad are on a pre-season training camp in Germany and from the base, LUTV caught up with Pascal Struijk.

The defender played 45 minutes against Manchester United at the weekend in a first run-out for the side since their return to training, and he is now looking forward to more work.

“It was a tough session today,” Pascal started, summing up day one.

“We did some top-up running so I am a little bit leggy but I mean that is what pre-season is for! We work hard so that we are ready to go when the time is right.”

There’s some fresh faces in the team and now one of the more experienced players, who has played in the Premier League before, Struijk was asked about his new teammates.

“I'm going to say the group is really nice. Already from last year and then for new guys to join in, I think it's a pretty easy group to come in. Everybody is very welcoming and the guys as well, they are really good guys.

“I just try to treat everyone really the same. But of course, when they come over for the first time, I will try to give them a helping hand, tell them about Leeds and the city as well.”

Finally, the challenge is clear for the team to get ready ahead of a big kick-off against Everton at Elland Road in August.

“I'm really excited to play again in the Premier League. I think for a lot of people, it is a childhood dream to play there. So for me, again, to play will be a big joy.

“I think the best thing we can do is go in there without any fear. You know, you see last year, it is not going to be easy.

“But I mean, with some of the experience that some of the lads have, then we can hopefully bring that onto the team.”