Pre-season with Farke reminds me of Klopp - Wilson

Harry Wilson believes that pre-season under Daniel Farke at Leeds reminds him of his time at Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp.

Wilson, 29, joined Leeds on a free transfer this summer after five years at Fulham, where he scored 36 goals in 187 appearances. The Wales international came through the academy at Liverpool and made his debut under Klopp.

Asked about pre-season after Leeds beat Liverpool 4-2 in Chicago on Sunday, Wilson said: "Yes, it's been really tough. I think from my younger days when I was at Liverpool with Jurgen - I don't know if it's a German thing - but there's a lot of running involved and it's been definitely more than what I've done the last few years for sure. The lads did warn me about that. I think now the games have started, it has calmed down a little bit but I'm feeling really fit and feeling good."

Under Farke, Wilson revealed that the order has been double sessions, with the first session on the pitch involving a lot of distance and the second session gym-based.

"I think we've only had one day where there's been no footballs other than the two testing days at the start," he said.

"As long as the balls are out, I don't think the lads mind it. It has been quite physically demanding, but I think we feel a lot better for it on the pitch.

"We did a 1km run in the first week and that was something Jurgen used to do as well. So, maybe it is a German thing. But I remember under Jurgen I felt really fit and I'm hoping that will be the case here too."

Wilson was close to a move to Leeds last summer but a deadline day move fell through and he went on to have an impressive individual campaign at Fulham, scoring 11 goals and getting eight assists.

He added: "I feel like last season my full focus was on Fulham and Wales and having a good season and trying to put myself in the best position. And then the club came back this year and I didn't forget what they were saying last year. With the talks and the plans for the future and stuff, I felt it was the best place for me.

"I just think the ownership group, the plans they have for the club - they know the size of the club with the fan base and the history and the work they're doing to the stadium already to increase the capacity, the investment they're putting into the squad. I think it's all just going in one direction and that's what I want to be a part of."

Leeds continue their pre-season with a friendly at Elland Road against RB Leipzig this Saturday (14:00 BST) before a trip to Dublin to face Manchester United on 12 August (19:30 BST).