Kemar Roofe has welcomed the Marcelo Bielsa-inspired redevelopment of the Leeds United training base but questioned the addition of a fireplace in the new games room.
Speaking on a Leeds United documentary on BBC Radio Five Live (14:05), Roofe explained how the Thorp Arch makeover this season has made it far more comfortable for the players.
But the striker is unsure about the fireplace as it emerged that plastic was left on the fire during one incident and it has barely been subsequently used.
“The players are loving it, mainly because we spend so much time at the training ground. Some players spend more time there than they do at home,” Roofe said.
“He’s (Bielsa) made it more comfortable for us. There’s the game room, for us to relax and bond more off the pitch, a sleeping area as well. There’s a pool table, table tennis, darts, a play station.”
One addition has raised eyebrows among Roofe and his teammates.
“A fireplace. I don’t know why it’s in there, it doesn’t really make much sense,” he added (chuckling). “I suppose in the winter times it could be useful. It’s the wrong thing to have with this group. We would just mess it up. It’s only been on twice.”
OPINION
Are Leeds playing with fire by adding a fireplace to the games room? Or, is it just a cosy and comforting accoutrement to an area that has helped take a once basic training ground to a whole new level? A fascinating Dave Hockaday interview earlier this week revealed how amateurish Leeds were during his 70-day spell at the helm in 2014, a time when Thorp Arch was run on a shoestring budget and many areas were derelict and abandoned, including the swimming pool. From tumblewood to hi-tech under Bielsa, who had the standing and wherewithal to demand and get a makeover of the training ground from the club hierarchy. Credit to Andrea Radrizzani and his board for buying into the vision of Bielsa, a man who leaves no stone unturned in his search for success. Elite sport is all about marginal gains and getting the best out of those performing. Leeds have made huge strides in those areas this season.