Ethan Ampadu: It was a very productive trip for us | OneFootball

Playing a crucial role in Leeds United’s comeback victory over Liverpool was skipper Ethan Ampadu, twice hurling long-throws into the penalty area which resulted in Dominic Calvert-Lewin grabbing two goals!

Alongside efforts from Brenden Aaronson and Sean Longstaff, a scintillating second half display from Daniel Farke’s side brought a 4-2 win, rounding off an incredibly productive pre-season tour of the US for the squad.

Speaking to LUTV after the full-time whistle, the captain was thrilled with the spirit the team showed after the break.

“I think sometimes when you have a trip and it is pre-season, sometimes you can have a half like that. We adjusted a little bit, changed not too much, but changed little bits to help us get back in the game.

“Because we are all professionals, we wanted to win the game and we are grateful we did. We were disappointed with the goals we conceded.

“We could have done a lot better with them. But that is better to learn those lessons in pre-season rather than in the season.

“But, yeah, we are very, very proud of the way we got back into the game, whether it was a friendly or not. So, it has left us a good feeling and good end to this trip.”

With the hard yards been put in across the pond, Ampadu believes the trip to the US leaves the squad in a great position ahead of the upcoming season.

“It is nice to end the whole tour with a win,” he added in Chicago. “Whether we had won or not today, I think it was a very productive trip for us. We got lots of hard work in, lots of bonding in.

“We gelled as a unit, which is what you want to do in these trips. But then, to finish it off in style – the second half better than the first half – was important for us.

“Even during the season, there will be work to do but that is what you try and do in pre-season, try and get yourself to the best standing you can come first game of the season.

“And we have still got a few pre-season games left to get more minutes, get the energy in the legs, and to gel even more to set us up for a good start.”