This shone through for Leeds United last season and it remains a key element of Daniel Farke's Premier League side
Isaac Johnson Leeds United reporter
10:07, 18 Feb 2026
Eddie Gray hailed Leeds United in one area in particular
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Eddie Gray hailed Leeds United in one area in particular(Image: YouTube / No Tippy Tappy Football)
Eddie Gray has hailed Daniel Farke for creating a squad of “athletes” at Leeds United, stating how fitness is foundational to success.
Along with fitness coach Chris Domogalla, Farke has curated a side that covers one of the highest distances on the pitch during games with only Manchester City ahead in terms of output in the Premier League.
Players have often commented on how hard they are made to work in pre-season, which bears fruit during the campaign when it comes to the dying embers of matches. Leeds scored the most stoppage-time goals in the Championship last season (10) and the most from 75 minutes onwards (25).
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This season has naturally proved more difficult to score later in games but three have still come after 90 minutes with six of their 36 goals overall coming after the 75th minute. Whites legend Gray says he has been impressed by the general fitness levels of Farke’s team.
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“The thing about the players that Daniel Farke has got is they work very hard,” Gray told the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast. “Midfield players are up and down the pitch, strikers are making great runs off the ball. Defenders are strong.
“One thing about football, if you can’t run then you can’t play. You’ve got to be able to get around the pitch. That's the one thing Daniel has done with the team. They’re all good athletes. They’re good athletes and they’re strong.
“You never see them falter in the last 10-15 minutes, they come on strong in games. And the players know that. If you have a high fitness level then you can always change things in the last 20 minutes of a game.”