Leeds United under 23 manager, Carlos Corberan, has hailed Marcelo Bielsa’s impact on the academy since arriving at the club.
The Whites triumphed in front of the 8,000 in attendance at Elland Road on Sunday. Leeds beat Birmingham City 4-2 on penalties as they were crowned PDL national title winners and Corberan has heaped praise on Biela’s contribution to the academy in the Yorkshire Evening Post.
Leeds have used academy graduates throughout this campaign. Jack Clarke has sparkled at times and his talents have been fully recognised as a result of Bielsa inducting him into the squad.
“The team from the last year have been working more and we started to grow as a real competitive squad,” Corberan said.
“It was something very positive. At the same time, Marcelo arrived here and the connection with the first-team, for the 23s, they had a connection. Every day they are involved with his demands. Every day they are training with high intensity.”
“At the end you have to start to think to be ambitious and if the first-team is competing for a high level of challenges then you have to do the same as Under-23s.”
OPINION
A large part of Leeds United’s success this campaign has been down to Bielsa. The possession-based style of play that has been implemented has been one of the best to watch in the division, and that formula has been passed down to the academy. The whole mentality of the club has changed and Leeds United may even find themselves playing Premier League football next season – the future looks bright under the Argentinian’s meticulous tutelage. If Leeds are not successful with their play-off bid, we may see even more youngsters feature in their squad next term. The belief in youth is something which Bielsa recognises the importance of and he is preparing the youngsters at an early stage in order for them to be ahead of other youth players coming through from other clubs. That can only be good for the future of the club.