'I couldn't play for Leeds' - Newcastle midfielder Jonjo Shelvey reveals on-field conversation with Whites 'nutcase'

Newcastle United midfielder Jonjo Shelvey has delivered an insight into what it is like to play against Marcelo Bielsa’s relentless Leeds United side.
Jonjo Shelvey. (Photo by Jon Super - Pool/Getty Images)Jonjo Shelvey. (Photo by Jon Super - Pool/Getty Images)
Jonjo Shelvey. (Photo by Jon Super - Pool/Getty Images)

The Whites have enjoyed success against the Magpies this term, taking six points from Steve Bruce’s men and winning both matches by an aggregate score of 7-3.

Their most recent meeting came at St. James’ Park in January, and Shelvey has opened up on a conversation he shared during the match with Leeds’ record signing Rodrigo.

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Speaking to the Studs Up podcast, he said: “We played Leeds at St. James’ Park probably about a month ago, and that Rodrigo fella was in the middle.

"He was meant to be playing centre-midfield, and he was just all over the place.

"I said to him, ‘Geez, can you just stand still for one minute? Because you’re just running round like a nutcase’.

"Even like some of it was just pointless running.

"But he goes, ‘I must do, I must do. My manager tells me I must do’.

"I couldn’t play for Leeds.”

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Shelvey also admitted that he was looking forward to the prospect of away days at Elland Road once fans are finally allowed back inside the ground.

When asked what it is like to come up against the Whites, he added: “They do run everywhere, but they obviously leave themselves open.

"Obviously, we lost the game, but I just think it’s been a shame that they’ve not been able to have fans in the stadium.

"I played against Leeds in the Championship for Newcastle and even then it was just bouncing, so I can’t wait to play there when the fans are in.”