Ayling pulling his weight at Leeds
LEEDS UNITED players are weighed every day on the orders of Marcelo Bielsa. For Luke Ayling, whose target is 78kgs (12st 4lbs), it requires one small sacrifice.
‘No late night Frosties any more!’ he says. ‘Back in the day, I’d get munchy about nine o’clock, make a bowl, get it down me and not think about it until the morning.
‘The manager wants us light to get around the pitch and be in our best shape. We come in, get weighed and have breakfast. And try to come back the next day to make the weight again. That’s what he wants.’
It has been worth it. Ayling (pictured) failed to make the grade as a youngster at Arsenal but, after more than 250 games for Yeovil and Bristol City, is an established Premier League player at the age of 30.
He was ever-present last season when Leeds finished ninth and has played three different positions in the three games so far this season; rightback, right-sided central defender and wingback. He also scored a ‘worldie’ at Manchester United, albeit in a 5-1 defeat. Today’s game against Liverpool will revive memories of last season’s 4-3 loss that set the tone for a thrilling campaign.
Ayling’s journey underlines how fortunes can change. Jack Wilshere was the big star when he won the FA Youth Cup with Arsenal in 2009, but whereas he is currently without a club, Ayling is preparing to face Sadio Mane and Co at a packed Elland Road.
‘Jack was destined to be one of best players we ever produced,’ says Ayling.
‘I remember going to watch him at the Emirates when he was only 16. The lads and I were sitting there watching our mate doing the stuff he was doing. He was unbelievable but injuries and time out cost him. I got released by Arsenal at 18 and knew I had to fight to make a career for myself.
‘Whether that was in League One, Championship or whatever. The biggest thing for me was getting out and playing men’s football. I was comfortable in Arsenal reserves but it wasn’t doing much for my career.
‘So I decided to take the step to Yeovil and I certainly feel I made the right decision.’
Despite a slowish start to their second successive season in the top flight, Ayling says Leeds won’t be panicking or losing faith in Bielsaball. ‘Some teams have found that second year harder but we’re confident in how we play.’