Leeds United have had a really incredible journey over the last few years. They got promoted under Marcelo Bielsa in 2020 and had a few seasons in the top flight back then.
Bielsa’s first few years in charge were great to watch, but fans knew the team was yet to hit their best heights.
Attacking football with pressing and a lot of goals lit up Elland Road in every home game.
During that time, Leeds did not have one specific transfer policy, which saw so many players in and out of the door. The 49ers have made a huge turnaround on that issue since.
Former Leeds United star makes huge admission after leaving the club
Joel Robles. Credit: IMAGO
Joel Robles was one of the players who arrived in that era at Leeds United.
He came as a backup keeper, played a total of four games and left the club in 2023.
Robles is now with Estoril in Portugal, and in an exclusive interview with Flashscore, he spoke about his short spell in England.
“When I arrived, I already knew what to expect. There were a lot of Spaniards – Marc Roca, Junior Firpo, Diego Llorente, Rodrigo Moreno – and that was going to help a lot, although I already knew England and adapting there was never a problem for me, but I knew there were young players.
“Also, Victor Orta, who was the sporting director, and Marcos Abad, the goalkeeping coach, made my role very clear from the start. Illan Meslier, the French goalkeeper who’s now Arsenal’s third keeper, was showing a great level for his age.
“And through hard work and rolling up my sleeves, I ended up playing that season, at a tough time, because we had to fight to avoid relegation, and in the end we couldn’t do it as the last 10 games got really tough for us.”
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Leeds’ goalkeeping situation is completely different now
From the time Joel Robles was at the club, Leeds believed Illan Meslier would be their first choice long term.
And years later, the Frenchman dropped in form, was benched for over a season and eventually left Elland Road on a free transfer.
The Whites are in a new era now, having spent a record fee on signing James Trafford from Manchester City. The England star is expected to be the club’s number one for years to come.
