da betsul： This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
da aposte e ganhe： Mateusz Klich has turned the corner at Leeds since he first burst onto the scene, originally failing to break into Thomas Christiansen’s side.
However, under Marcelo Bielsa, he’s failed to miss a single Leeds game in the league. Speaking about his performances in an interview with Yorkshire Evening Post, his transformation is encapsulated perfectly by the Pole and by quotes relayed from Angus Kinnear.
What have they said?
Klich has recently signed a new deal at the club, evaporating fears of the midfielder leaving when his initial contract was due to expire at the end of the season.
Having started off slowly this term, he came to life against Middlesbrough last week, bagging a brace in what was undoubtedly his best performance of the campaign. Before that, he’d scored just once in 18 outings.
The 29-year-old had struggled to find his feet in 2019/20, missing a penalty against Derby and failing to have a real influence on proceedings.
But in typical Klich style, he’s defied the doubters wrong. He’s battered away claims that he needed to be rested but more pivotally, he’s proved the club’s hierarchy wrong.
Talking to YEP, he noted: “Last season I had the best season of my life – ten goals and nine assists but I would change it for two goals and two assists but playing in the Premier League. We are a team, football is a team sport and we have to keep on winning so that’s the most important thing.”
The newspaper then relayed quotes from Kinnear. He commented: “He told us we were making a mistake and he would come back to prove us wrong. I think he’s proved his point.”
Klich’s turnaround
Flashback to the 2017/18 season and the Poland international was quickly sent out on loan to FC Utrecht.
His performances weren’t up to what Christiansen desired but he was revived by Bielsa who has taken him under his wing and developed the midfielder into one of the stars of the team – someone who is capable of helping them reach their top-flight ambitions.
The very fact he contributed to 19 goals last term is a testament to that.
When Klich walked into Kinnear’s office to be told he was heading out on loan, his character to suggest he’d prove them wrong was admirable.
It’s unlikely the hierarchy will have believed him but the fact he went onto earn a new deal in November demonstrates just how foolish Kinnear’s initial viewpoint was.
This season, Klich has registered an impressive 2.2 shots per game while also amassing 2.1 key passes each match on average.
It’s a fabulous record and just goes to show how pivotal he’s become to their chances. They are performances that may just help him finally realise his Premier League dream.
In other news, check out what Phil Hay has said about Leeds’ interest in Matej Vydra…