What’s fuelled Leeds turnaround? Evans has put the players on flexi-time!

Steve Evans has credited the implementation of a less strict regime for Leeds United’s sudden turnaround in the league.
Steve Evans celebrates with a 'de-shackled' Lewis Cook.Steve Evans celebrates with a 'de-shackled' Lewis Cook.
Steve Evans celebrates with a 'de-shackled' Lewis Cook.

The former Rotherham United manager revealed that the players can choose to have breakfast at home or at Thorp Arch, which means the squad are allowed to arrive later in the day.

Leeds have won their last two games, against Cardiff City last week and Huddersfield Town on Saturday, easing away from a potential relegation battle as a result.

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Evans has seen his side lose only once in his five games since replacing former head coach Uwe Rosler on October 19.

He believes that asking the players to make the right choices on their own has had an impact.

When asked about what he has changed, Evans said: “We had a collective meeting initially. Since then, I’ve spoken to everyone in the squad.

“We’ve probably taken the shackles off. We’ve made the time they can arrive later, and they’ve now got a choice of having breakfast at the training ground or breakfast at home.

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“It’s less regimented. Giving players responsibility, but they have to deliver against it.”

Evans has also tried to alter the approach towards the club’s young players.

Alex Mowatt has been in exceptional form in the last two games, scoring two wonderful goals against Cardiff and Huddersfield, while Lewis Cook has improved since returning to his preferred position in the centre of midfield.

Evans said: “We’ve tried to embrace the younger players.”

“He’s one of many terrific youngsters at Leeds United,” he continued when asked about Mowatt, “I can take no credit for that, it’s the work of Paul Hart and his team that run the academy side.

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“The likes of Mowatt, who we brought back into the team, the likes of Cook, the likes of Sam Byram are special players for such a young age.”

Leeds’ trip to Sheffield Wednesday has been selected for live coverage on Sky Sports. The match takes place at 12.30pm on January 16, 2016.