Ampadu ready for Leeds' pre-season challenge ahead of Premier League campaign

Ampadu ready for Leeds' pre-season challenge ahead of Premier League campaign

Ethan Ampadu says Leeds United are fully focused on the hard work ahead as preparations for the 2026/27 Premier League season get underway.

The captain was reunited with teammates and staff this week as the squad returned from their summer break for fitness testing and conditioning programmes at Leeds Beckett University.

Speaking to LUTV, Ampadu reflected on last season and looked ahead to the challenges of the new campaign.

While admitting the demanding running sessions are not the players’ favourite part of pre-season, the Welsh international stressed their importance in building fitness and team spirit ahead of the Premier League opener.

“It’s good to be back, I feel good and well rested,” Ampadu began.

“I think it's good to reflect at the end of the season to see how far we have come and see what we've achieved. But also, I think as professionals we always set our standards so high.

“It's one of those where you reflect, but you also want to build. So, it's finding that right balance to appreciate what you've done and the hard work that got you there, but to also know what to do next.”