LEEDS were given a rude awakening just two weeks before the new season after crashing to a 3-0 defeat at Stoke.

Marcelo Bielsa fielded a relatively strong side that included the likes of Luke Ayling, Jack Harrison, Helder Costa, Pablo Hernandez and Patrick Bamford.

But the Championship winners were outfought by a Potters side who handed a start to new signing John Obi Mikel in midfield.

Stoke took a 1-0 lead in the 24th minute when Nathan Collins fired home from a corner.

Half-time substitute Lee Gregory then made it two in the 52nd minute before Tom Ince compounded Leeds' misery.

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Leeds will need to ensure they improve dramatically before taking on Premier League champions Liverpool on September 12.

By then Bielsa will be hoping to have £36million summer signing Rodrigo in his forward line-up as well as defender Robin Koch.

They also had eight players away on international duty including star man Kalvin Phillips who joined up with the England squad.

Although some Leeds fans are struggling to see the light at the end of the tunnel and are already fearing relegation.

One said: "We are really going to struggle this year."

Another added: "Shocking performance from start to begining. Hang your head in shame boys if this continues then big sam will have to bail us out by November."

Others were to quick to remind their fellow fanbase it was just a friendly with one writing: "If anyone, literally anyone reads anything into this result other than it being a fitness test is very odd."

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