Leeds United are coming to the end of their pre-season tour of Australia and the start of the Premier League season is moving into view. The Whites take on Crystal Palace in their final game of their trip at Perth’s Optus Stadium and Jesse Marsch will be keen to see his side return to the British Isles with another win under their belts.
Here’s what happened on day 10 of Leeds’ time Down Under.
When it rains, it pours
Thursday was by far the worst day of the trip in terms of weather with rain lashing down from the Western Australia sky at regular intervals throughout the day. The Whites woke up to puddles on the pavement outside and they were forced to brave the elements as they trained at HBF Park, the home of A-League side Perth Glory and rugby union outfit Western Force.
Wind howled around the ground, which will be used for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, as Marsch’s players went through some drills and the rain ensured the session was a wet one. Fortunately, the weather didn’t disrupt the session with Leeds being worked hard once more as they prepare for their clash against Crystal Palace.
Youngster Archie Gray trained as normal and he could now be expected to feature on Friday.
Zoo trip
The squad was given the chance to get out of their hotel in the afternoon as they made their way to Perth Zoo, which is relatively close to the city centre, to get up close and personal with koalas, kangaroos and other indigenous animals. In truth, Thursday was Leeds’ last opportunity to be tourists ahead of their flight home, with the friendly against Crystal Palace set to dominate the agenda on Friday.
Brewery bouncing
After returning from the zoo, Mateusz Klich, Adam Forshaw, Marc Roca and Joe Gelhardt hoped on the team bus and made their way to Gage Roads Brewery in Fremantle to meet the local fans. Around 600 Leeds supporters piled into the Brewery and with the beer flowing, the United quartet were greeted by a rowdy crowd.
Klich, Forshaw and Gelhardt took the opportunity to speak about last season and the club’s expectations for the campaign ahead, while Roca was asked about his first impressions of the Whites and his thoughts on fellow new recruit Luis Sinisterra. The crowd had the chance to ask a handful of questions before enjoying a sing-song as the players made their way off the stage and back to the centre of Perth.
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