This week, the Leeds United first team squad have been reporting for testing at Leeds Beckett University ahead of the 2026/27 Premier League season.
In between the busy schedule as the players look to prepare to jet off to the USA to compete against Wrexham, Sunderland and Liverpool, LUTV sat down with Joe Rodon to discuss all-things off-season, and looking ahead to the new campaign.
"It felt like it went quicker than it should have! But I'm delighted to be back and looking forward to the new season.
"I think probably the biggest difference coming into the Premier League last year, I think it's the mental side because every game you play is so difficult and offers different challenges.
"I think more mentally, especially. The season was a long season and it was tough, so I think after everything we went through, and obviously the come-out success, it was good to switch off."
Leeds United were delighted to announce the signing of fellow Welshman Harry Wilson the week prior to testing, and Joe is familiar with the winger thanks to representing their national side together: "Knowing H [Harry Wilson] for a number of years, I think he's kind of grown into that leadership role as well, especially with the national team. Just kind of his maturity as well with the game.
"Everyone's seen him, he's grown massively as a player on the pitch. But off it, I think he has stepped into more of a leadership role.
"As players, we always want to strive for more and we don't want to get carried away," he reflected on fresh objectives and last season's aims. "I think the goals and the challenges change again. Of course, last year was about staying up and being in the league this year, and now I think it's about pushing on and being established and see how far we can take that.
"When we both joined here," speaking on behalf of himself and Welsh compatriot Ethan Ampadu, "We all knew the project and what we signed up for, so I think it's one step at a time. But of course, this season we want to push on again and push further."
Ahead of Daniel Farke's side's pre-season trip to the USA, Joe stated: "It's important to share that with everyone, the Leeds fans are everywhere.
"It's always good to travel around the world and of course share the brand. Leeds is massive and we're looking forward to it."
