Leeds defender Charlie Cresswell comments on his debut vs West Ham
Leeds United defender Charlie Cresswell has revealed that he came to know he will be starting against West Ham only five minutes before the warm-up.
The 19-year-old was handed a debut by Marcelo Bielsa against the Hammers on Saturday in the Premier League. Although Leeds lost 2-1, the youngster did well and played the entire game.
Leeds were already going through a defensive crisis and it worsened with Luke Ayling’s knee injury against Newcastle.
The young central defender impressed in the Carabao Cup clash against Fulham. Bielsa has kept faith in the youngster but he only informed him about his debut just before the warm-up.
Cresswell has revealed it was an overwhelming experience, adding Bielsa just told him to go out there and do his thing.
“It’s very overwhelming, I’ll need to calm down, see how I did and watch it back. I found out about five minutes before the warm-up, I was told I was starting and I was just like ‘wow’,” said Cresswell, as quoted by Leeds Live.
“I sat in the dressing room and I had to stick my game head on. I thought It thought I adapted quite well. He (Marcelo Bielsa) just wanted me to go out there and do my thing.
“That is what has got me in this position but I just need to continue doing that. As a footballer and sportsman, I wanted to play every week but I need to be there for my team-mates and help when I can.”
Crisis.
Leeds are yet to win a Premier League game this season and they have dropped into the relegation zone behind Newcastle United on goal difference.
The Whites were leading by 1-0, but West Ham came from behind to seal all three points. After the Hammers equalised, that took a deflection off Junior Firpo, Leeds appeared to have completely lost their way.
The visitors kept on applying pressure and eventually got the winning goal through Michail Antonio. It was a tough afternoon for the youngster, but he is confident that Leeds will bounce back strongly.
For Bielsa, it’s the long injury list that should bother him. Robin Koch and Diego Llorente are currently out injured while Pascal Struijk is serving his suspension.
Leeds have only picked up three points from their opening six games, and they need to find a way to get back to winning ways. The Whites face newcomers Watford on Saturday at Elland Road in their next Premier League game.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites have confirmed today that young midfielder Jack Jenkins has penned a new deal at the club.