Pascal Struijk: It was a tough session today
The defender played 45 minutes against Manchester United at the weekend in a first run-out for the side since their return to training, and he is now looking forward to more work.
'It was a tough session today,' Pascal started, summing up day one.
'We did some top-up running, so I am a little bit leggy, but I mean, that is what pre-season is for! We work hard so that we are ready to go when the time is right.'
There's some fresh faces in the team and now one of the more experienced players, who has played in the Premier League before, Struijk was asked about his new teammates.
'I'm going to say the group is really nice. Already from last year and then for new guys to join in, I think it's a pretty easy group to come in. Everybody is very welcoming and the guys as well, they are really good guys.
'I just try to treat everyone really the same. But of course, when they come over for the first time, I will try to give them a helping hand, tell them about Leeds and the city as well.'
Finally, the challenge is clear for the team to get ready ahead of a big kick-off against Everton at Elland Road in August.
'I'm really excited to play again in the Premier League. I think for a lot of people, it is a childhood dream to play there. So for me, again, to play will be a big joy.
'I think the best thing we can do is go in there without any fear. You know, you see last year, it is not going to be easy.
'But I mean, with some of the experience that some of the lads have, then we can hopefully bring that onto the team.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Rams training camp preview: Who steps up at inside linebacker?
No position group on the Los Angeles Rams' depth chart is more fluid than inside linebacker. There are four players vying for two starting spots, ranging from a veteran such as Troy Reeder to a rookie in Chris Paul Jr. There's a lot to be sorted out at this spot, and while it may not be a highly prioritized position for Sean McVay and Les Snead, it is a critical role on defense. So who will emerge as the two starters? And who will remain on the field as a three-down linebacker once the season begins? Advertisement Training camp will help the Rams figure things out at a wide-open position. Roster locks Omar Speights Nate Landman Chris Paul Jr. Speights took over as a starter next to Christian Rozeboom after Troy Reeder got hurt, maintaining his grip on that role through the end of the season. Landman was a free-agent addition following his stint with the Falcons, while Paul was a fifth-round pick out of Ole Miss. All three should be locks to make the team despite none of them being certain to be starters on defense. Likely to make it None Reeder was close to making this tier, especially with his special teams value, but there's no guaranteed the Rams will even keep four inside linebackers. They could go with just three to start the year in hopes of stashing Reeder on the practice squad if he clears waivers (which he should). Advertisement On the bubble Troy Reeder Elias Neal Shaun Dolac Tony Fields II Reeder probably has the edge over the other three linebackers in this group, simply because he's a former starter on defense. But he regressed last year and fell out of favor, with the Rams opting not to activate him off IR despite having the opportunity to in the postseason. Dolac is the only undrafted rookie at inside linebacker but he's certainly not someone to overlook after the career he had at Buffalo. Position battle to watch Speights vs. Landman vs. Paul vs. Reeder It's possible this will be a four-for-two deal: four players competing for two starting spots. The pecking order could be just as it's listed above, with Speights having the first crack at a starting job and Landman close behind him. Paul will need to earn his stripes as a fifth-round rookie but the promise is certainly there; he's the most athletic linebacker on the team. Advertisement Potential sleeper Shaun Dolac Dolac had an FBS-leading 168 tackles at Buffalo last season, along with five interceptions, 6.5 sacks and 19 tackles for a loss. He was all over the field and he'll try to keep up that reputation as a member of the Rams in training camp. In such a wide-open position group, Dolac has a chance to make some noise this summer. Follow Rams Wire on X, Facebook and Threads for more coverage! This article originally appeared on Rams Wire: Rams training camp: Who steps up at inside linebacker?
New York Times
an hour ago
- New York Times
Erik ten Hag says Granit Xhaka ‘too important' for Bayer Leverkusen to ‘let go' amid Sunderland talks
Erik ten Hag has insisted Granit Xhaka is 'too important' for Bayer Leverkusen to allow to leave despite the midfielder informing the club he wants to join Sunderland. The Athletic reported on Tuesday Xhaka, 32, was prioritising a move to Sunderland over other suitors, with an agreement in place between the Switzerland international and the newly-promoted Premier League club. Advertisement Xhaka's agent Jose Noguerra Rodriguez confirmed to German media on Tuesday that there was an agreement between Sunderland and his player, but in response Ten Hag emphasised his desire to keep the midfielder. 'His agent can say whatever he wants, but this club has already let three important players (Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Jonathan Tah) go, and we won't let any more go. Granit is a leader, he still has three years left on his contract here.' Ten Hag told reporters during Leverkusen's pre-season tour of Brazil, as quoted by Bild. 'It's clear – Granit is a key player, he signed here for five years and still has three years left on his contract. He's too important to us to let him go.' Xhaka's Leverkusen contract runs until 2028 and the club's sporting managing director Simon Rolfes reiterated his importance to the club, but described any potential departure as a 'three-party' matter. 'I have repeatedly said that Granit is an important leader,' Rolfes said. 'The coach and I agree on that. We are in dialogue with all our players. In the end, it's always a three-party situation. Granit still has a three-year contract — and in principle, there can only be a change if all three sides agree to it. 'Topics like this always cause discussions and conversations. That's why it doesn't shock me.' Xhaka has made 99 appearances for Leverkusen since joining from Arsenal in 2023, helping the club win their first Bundesliga title in 2023-24. Ten Hag was appointed Leverkusen's new head coach earlier this summer, succeeding Xabi Alonso after his move to Real Madrid.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Is Tottenham vs Manchester United on TV? Kick-off time, channel and how to watch Premier League fixture
Tottenham Hotspur host Manchester United in the Premier League today, with the league's two most underwhelming sides set to face off in the capital. Ange Postecoglou's Spurs sat in 14th in the table going into the weekend – with just 27 points – having exited both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup, with questions persisting around the Australian's future at the club. Advertisement And things are not much better at United, with Ruben Amorim's side sitting just two points and one place above Spurs. The Portuguese's start to life at Old Trafford has been underwhelming so far, and while they have taken a place in the last 16 of the Europa League alongside Spurs, it's now a fact that success in that competition is the only potential positive that either club can take from an otherwise disappointing season. Here's everything you need to know ahead of the match. When is Tottenham vs Manchester United? The match kicks off at 4.30pm on Sunday, 16 February at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. Advertisement How can I watch the match? The match will be shown live in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event and Premier League, with coverage starting at 4pm. If you're not a Sky customer, you can grab a NOWTV Day Pass to watch without a subscription. Confirmed line-ups Tottenham XI: Vicario, Porro, Danso, Davies, Spence, Bentancur, Bergvall, Maddison, Kulusevski, Son, Tel Man Utd XI: Onana; Mazraoui, De Ligt, Maguire; Dalot, Casemiro, Fernandes, Dorgu; Garnacho, Zirkzee; Hojlund What is the team news? Tottenham welcome back goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, for his first start since breaking his ankle against Manchester City in November! There is also a return for James Maddison, while Archie Gray and MIkey Moore drop out. Destiny Udogie and Brennan Johnson are back on the bench. Advertisement Amorim indicated Mason Mount, Jonny Evans, Luke Shaw and Altay Bayindir will remain out on Sunday, with their new setbacks seeing some academy players called up for training. Manchester United start both Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee, with Amad Diallo ruled out. Casemiro comes into midfield and partners Bruno Fernandes - that's because there's no Manuel Ugarte or Kobbie Mainoo in the squad. To add to that, Christian Eriksen and Leny Yoro are both ill, leaving Ruben Amorim's squad looking very thin indeed. There are eight teenagers on the United bench: Harry Amass , Ayden Heaven, Elyh Harrison Tyler Fredricson, Jack Fletcher, Sekou Kone , Jack Moorhouse and Chido Obi. Advertisement Odds Tottenham win - 11/8 Draw - 27/10 Man Utd win - 17/10 The Independent vets betting sites for useability, security and responsible gambling tools. You can claim free bets here to use across a range of sports. Please read the terms. Prediction This could well be the Premier League's most difficult match to predict, with neither manager knowing exactly what kind of performance they'll get from their side. The two sides' meeting in the Carabao Cup in December was a comedy of errors and lack of quality, and this could well be the same. Tottenham 2-2 Manchester United. We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.
