Leeds United have a careful balancing act to play when they host AS Monaco in their final winter friendly ahead of the Premier League return. With only three Whites players at the World Cup, many members of the squad are in need of minutes to ensure they are ready to face Manchester City.
However, Rene Maric spoke after Friday's win over Real Sociedad and confirmed Leeds would take no unnecessary risks. Jack Harrison for example, was set to start against the Spanish side but was pulled out just before kick off due to a bit of muscle tightness.
"Yeah, I think that it's a phase of pre-season," Maric said. "Basically, that's unusual in winter where there are situations where you opt out of going into risk. So Jack is not injured and I think he could have pushed a play but why should we risk it 12 games before Man City that he makes something or maybe risk something for the training process towards Man City or in the game.
