Ex-Leeds fitness coach Delaval: Too difficult to watch now | OneFootball

Benoit Delaval admits being sacked by Leeds United was tough to take.

Marcelo Bielsa's fitness coach, Benoit Delaval, has claimed that it was too difficult for him to watch the first few Whites matches after his departure. Speaking to The Athletic, he identified the emotional attachment to the club as the reason for his inability to tune in.

“I couldn't watch the first three games after we had been sacked," said Delaval. “It's difficult to explain how it felt. The first three games were against Leicester, Aston Villa and Norwich, and the only way I can describe it is that I was not ready to watch.

“It was the first time I had ever been fired — I was still so emotionally involved. It was strange and frustrating to be out of the club.

“I knew the games were on, but it was too difficult for me to watch. So my family watched the games downstairs while I stayed upstairs and did some work on my PhD (doctorate)."

He added: “It was emotional for me. I had lived my life with Leeds for three and a half years and then, in 24 hours, it was all over.

“When you move house, you have time to say goodbye to everyone. But football is so quick. The club released the news on Sunday morning. We went to say goodbye to the players on Monday, but it was all so sudden."