BURNOUT?NOT A CHANCE IN EL

Whites legend Rio reveals Cooper & Co insulted by tiredness claims due to Bielsa’s intense game-plan

RIO FERDINAND says Leeds are insulted by claims they suffer burnout under Marcelo Bielsa.

Ex-Leeds favourite Ferdinand has spoken to Whites skipper Liam Cooper (below), who says he and his team-mates are frustrated by the unfair criticism.

Bielsa was accused of working Leeds too hard with his intense high-pressing style and they collapsed during the run-in two years ago to miss out on Premier League promotion.

But Leeds showed no signs of tiredness last season as they won their last six games to claim the Championship title by 10 points.

They are also showing their best form at the business end of this campaign and their impressive 3-1 victory over Tottenham on Saturday means they have won four and drawn

two of their last seven games. Ferdinand was impressed by Leeds’ greater desire against a Spurs side fighting to qualify for the Champions League and says the players deserve huge credit for their attitude.

“They’ve not burned out this season and they didn’t last season,” said Ferdinand, who was Leeds’ record £18million signing when he joined in 2000. “I spoke to Cooper, the captain, and he took it as an insult that people say that about them.

“They fully back themselves. The training sessions are very intense physically and mentally. “People look at it and say it’s crazy, but they’re not fighting a relegation battle here, they’re a team that’s on the up and a club that’s on the up.

“Imagine if they had fans in here, that’s the thing. Would it work for them, or would it be pressure that works against them? I don’t know, that will be interesting to see next year.”