Marcelo Bielsa recorded a video message to remind Leeds United’s players of the sacrifices being made by frontline workers during football’s lockdown.
The Whites head coach has consistently been described as a boss who keeps his distance from his players away from training and matches.
However, in an effort to stay connected with his squad while they all stayed away from one another in lockdown, Bielsa took the unusual step of recording a personal video message.
Speaking to the media on Monday, after many first-team players returned to formal training, captain Liam Cooper made the revelation.
Asked about his direct contact with Bielsa, Cooper said: “Very little directly with the situation.
“We had a nice video off him maybe two or three weeks ago telling us to stay in shape and do things right and have a thought for the frontline workers and what people are doing for us around the country.
“All the lads got that to watch and hopefully we’ll get to see him a bit more in the coming weeks.”
One of the primary bones of contention around the return to training and football has been the threat of the virus not only to the players, but their wider families.
Watford’s Troy Deeney has publicly denounced the return and the risk it poses, in his case, to his son, who has breathing difficulties.
Cooper said no such concerns have been raised by any of the United players.
“I’ve not heard of any concerns in our group. I’m only in contact with our group. Other teams may be different, but as a group we’re just itching to get back,” he said.
“We’ve been able to train in small groups today, groups of five, there was the back four and a midfielder in our group this morning.
“All the lads were just buzzing to be able to kick a ball with your mates again. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but before too long we’re looking forward to murderball.”
The 28-year-old said the testing process at Thorp Arch has begun well. There were no positive tests in the first round on Friday.
While unpleasant, Cooper praised the work of Rob Price, head of medicine and performance, and club doctors Rishi Dhand and Jamie O’Shea for their preparations.
With two young children, Cooper acknowledged there would always be a little worry about being infected through the sport and taking it home with him.
“My family are okay. Obviously, we’ve got such good doctors and good medical staff,” he said.
“If some of the lads need treatment they’re all in their PPE, we have to wear our face masks and nothing is left to chance.
“We’ve very fortunate in that term of things. My family are fine.
“I’ve got two young kids myself so there is always going to be a little worry there, but we’re in the safest place possible.
“All precautions are being taken to keep us safe.”
