Robin Koch explains Leeds United struggles in second Premier League season
Robin Koch has opened up on the reasons for Leeds United struggling in the Premier League compared to their return to the top flight last season.
The Whites had a triumphant campaign after 16 seasons in the lower leagues, finishing in the top half of the table in ninth, but have struggled this term and currently sit 15th.
The German told talkSPORT on Thursday (January 20th 11.40am): “I think in general the second season after you get promoted is probably a harder season than the first one.
“For the first season maybe some other teams say, ‘Maybe it’s a bit easier to play against Leeds’ and after they see that it’s not.
“Then in the second season, they know what they will face.
“Then we got some injury problems as well… but for us, it’s no excuse.”
Second season syndrome
With only five wins out of 20 this year things have not gone how anyone at the club would have expected after the success of last season.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side have been particularly unlucky with injuries in a season where numerous clubs have been struggling to field sides for a host of different reasons.
First team stars like Kalvin Phillips and Patrick Bamford have been particularly notable absentees.
Koch himself has had problems with injuries since he arrived from Freiburg, but looks to be establishing himself in the midfield of late.
A side to be hit by injuries to the level that United have been this term would always be unlikely to match the achievements of the previous season, and the extent to which their opponents have adjusted to their playing style cannot be overlooked.
While the level of scouting and preparation that goes into modern football at the top level means that a genuine surprise factor does not really exist, top flight sides were inexperienced in facing off against the notoriously hard-working side under their Argentinian manager.
Wins against Manchester City and Tottenham, plus draws with Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal, during last season suggest big sides did not expect the challenge the Whites provided.
But a year further on, and depleted by absences, that has not been the case again so far.
In other Leeds United news, yet another big injury blow appears to have hit the club.