Sam Greenwood gives insight on life at Leeds United under ‘genius’ Marcelo Bielsa
Sam Greenwood says it was “really tough” playing under Marcelo Bielsa at Leeds United, but is glad he got the chance to learn from the “genius” manager.
Bielsa was in charge at Elland Road when Greenwood – who is now at Middlesbrough on loan – joined Leeds from Arsenal in August 2020.
The 21-year-old was handed his senior debut by Bielsa early the following year and has gone on to make 35 appearances for United in all competitions.
Discussing what it was like to work with Bielsa, who left Leeds in February 2022, Greenwood is quoted by Teesside Live [9 September] as saying: “It was really tough. I would say he’s a genius at what he does.
“Without having a really close relationship with the players, he keeps his distance and his knowledge is unbelievable.
“The intensity of training is so high. You have to be so mentally strong to be able to get through every day.”
Elland Road future
Greenwood is not alone in learning a lot under the tutelage of Bielsa, who made a lasting impression on everyone associated with the club across his three-and-a-half years in West Yorkshire.
Now on loan at Boro, versatile Greenwood will hope to get a run of games in order to show that he is good enough to be a regular at Championship level at the very least.
The fact that Leeds were only willing to loan him to one of their second-tier rivals suggests they still believe he has a long-term future at Elland Road – and rightly so.
Most of the 35 appearances made by Greenwood for Leeds have come as a substitute, and his minutes would only have decreased this season as a result of United’s summer transfer business.
If the youngster can put any advice given to him by Bielsa to good use, hopefully he will shine at the Riverside and return to Leeds an even better player at the end of the season.
In other Leeds United news, Daniel Farke may have no choice but to axe a first-team regular.