Joe Gelhardt says Jesse Marsch claiming his Leeds United players were “over-trained” by predecessor Marcelo Bielsa does not mean they are taking things easy now.

The Whites’ small squad has been badly hit by injuries this season, with Patrick Bamford, Kalvin Phillips, Liam Cooper, Luke Ayling, Pascal Struijk, Rodrigo, Junior Firpo, Robin Koch, Tyler Roberts and Jamie Shackleton missing long periods of football and only Illan Meslier and Stuart Dallas Premier League ever-presents.

Bad luck undoubtedly played its part, but Marsch thinks the way the players prepared did too.

“The injury issue, for me, had a lot to do with the training methodologies,” he said. “These players were over-trained.

Leeds United's Joe Gelhardt - pictured celebrating his late winner against Norwich City - is hoping to be back from injury soon. Picture: Tony Johnson

“It led to them being, physically, mentally and emotionally in a difficult place to recover each week and from game to game.

“I have a very specific methodology and a reputation for high running data but also having healthy, fit and strong players who meet the standards of the game that we want.

“We have tried to put that into place to help the players and it has helped a lot.”

Leeds United: Intense approach still in place under Jesse Marsch, insists Joe Gelhardt