Leeds positive despite slow start - Ampadu

Ethan Ampadu (right) has been ever-present for Leeds United in the league since joning from Chelsea in the summer of 2023

Leeds United captain Ethan Ampadu has said the team still have "full confidence" despite a difficult start to the Championship season.

The Whites, who lost to Southampton in the Championship play-off final in May, have drawn with Portsmouth and West Bromwich Albion in the league and fell to a 3-0 defeat by Middlesbrough in the Carabao Cup.

"Naturally there's frustration. We're all pros and we want to win every game," the Wales international told BBC Radio Leeds.

"There's going to be disappointment in the results we've had but there's still that positivity."

He added: "We know what we want to achieve this year and we have full confidence in that, no matter what has happened this week.

"We saw how we started last year and we aim to have a better start than that this year, but there's still a long way to go. The season isn't going to be determined in the first month."

'Hopefully more big characters coming in'

In addition to their slow opening on the field they have also seen midfielder Archie Gray and forwards Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter move on to Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United and Brighton and Hove Albion respectively this summer, with the latter leaving on Monday.

So far this summer Leeds have made defender Joe Rodon's loan move from Spurs permanent, while full-back Jayden Bogle has joined on a free from Sheffield United, and Bournemouth midfielder Joe Rothwell has come in on a season-long loan.

Midfielder Ampadu said the group have not been unsettled by the summer transfer business and is hopeful of more additions.

"Every football club has incomings and outgoings, it isn't until the end of the window that everything is clarified," the 23-year-old said.

"We've been very good at keeping close-knit no matter who is here. It's a really good place, we're together and we're all fighting for the same thing."

He added: "It was sad when Georgi left because it's not just a great player going but a good friend.

"He was a big character in the dressing room but we'll wish him all the best and we're focusing on ourselves.

"You miss big characters but hopefully there are some more big characters coming in."