Marsch insists stresses of World Cup have 'potential to burn some players out'

Jesse Marsch fears Premier League players will burn out as the season progresses following the physical and mental stresses of the World Cup.

Leeds only had three stars in Qatar — the fourth-lowest tally in the top flight — with Tyler Adams and Brenden Aaronson reaching the last 16 with the USA and Rasmus Kristensen going out in the group stage with Denmark.

However, manager Marsch is concerned for the welfare of the division’s internationals in general with domestic football having returned just two days after the World Cup final.

Asked about the schedule ahead of next week’s match with Manchester City, the Leeds boss said: ‘I think it has the potential to burn some players out.

‘Man City have brought their players back relatively quickly. There is sort of a standard in our business that after these big national team tournaments players need three weeks.

'We even only provided 10 days, as we were fully aware that with the season coming round so quickly, it’s important to get them back.

‘But the physical and mental demands of a big tournament like that are very high.

'It’s really important that we have an appreciation for what these young men go through and what the pressure of representing their country in tournaments is like.’