Adam Forshaw hasn’t enjoyed the perfect start under new Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa.
After returning from injury, he hasn’t started a game for the new manager yet, making six cameo appearances from the bench in the last six games in the Championship.
However, in an interview in the Independent, Forshaw has said he is happy to learn from his new boss from the bench.
And the Independent say it’s this attitude from players that has led to the biggest sense of optimism about getting back in the top-flight after its “15-year slumber in the Football League.”
“There’s been big changes between a lot of the players,” said Forshaw.
“Everybody bought into it and you can see it’s working… it’s pleasing for all of us that our hard work’s paying off, and credit to the manager and his staff that he’s brought in. They’ve really made the difference for us.
“He’s just a perfectionist I would say. He just wants everything done professionally. Everything done right. I think he doesn’t mind the times if technical things aren’t there. But if you really are working hard and the fundamentals, the basics, the high-intensity work [is there], I think eventually the technique comes through then as well.”
OPINION
It must be a real privilege working under a manager like Bielsa. Many big players that have worked under him in the past have given glowing reports about how he has improved them. Alexis Sanchez said that he is who he is because of Bielsa and for Championship players it must be a dream come true. Okay, things haven’t worked out brilliantly for Forshaw yet this season, but his time will come. And it’s not just him. Big-money signing Patrick Bamford has been made to play second fiddle behind Kemar Roofe, before suffering an injury that will keep him out until 2019. Bielsa likes to play the same group of players and if you’re not fit at the start of the season, like Forshaw, then you have to wait in line. The fact that he’s happy learning on the bench is testament to how highly regarded Bielsa is at Elland Road. And if Forshaw gets to play in the Premier League under him next season, the time spent on the bench will have been worth it.