Marcelo Bielsa refuses to give Leeds players time off amid coronavirus pandemic

Marcelo Bielsa crouches down on the touchline during a Leeds game — Bielsa wants his Leeds players at training as normal (Picture: Getty)

Leeds United players and staff have been left shocked by Marcelo Bielsa’s decision that the club is to carry on as normal during the coronavirus pandemic.

The Championship and Premier League football has been suspended until April after three top-flight clubs went into lockdown.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta and Chelsea star Callum Hudson-Odoi have tested positive for coronavirus and many clubs across the country have sent their players and staff home during the suspension.

The Daily Mail claim Leeds will not be giving their players any extra time off after Bielsa decided to push ahead with regular training sessions.

Leeds were expecting the club’s activities would be put on hold for ten days during the coronavirus-enforced break as the UK grapples with trying to arrest the spread of the virus.

The UK government announced plans to ban all mass public gatherings possibly from next week, which could see the Premier League extend the suspension.

Leeds are chasing promotion into the top flight and are a point clear at the top of the Championship.

Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa speaks to his players during a training session — Championship football has been suspended (Picture: Getty)

Bielsa is determined to keep his players focused and fit, but his decision has been questioned by the club’s medical staff.

Football chiefs are set to meet next week to discuss what to do next and if games can resume on 4 April.

While Liverpool are 25 points clear at the top of the Premier League table, the race to avoid relegation and qualify for the Champions League is neck and neck.

Leeds have a slim advantage at the top of the table and there is a similar battle going on below them for a play-off spot.

The UK has 798 cases of coronavirus, but believe the true number could be somewhere between 5,000 and 10,000.

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