SM
Spain vs. Switzerland: 1 day 52 mins
Upcoming predictions and previews

Wales forward Roberts says Leeds boss Bielsa ‘opened his eyes’ to game

:Headline: Wales forward Roberts says Leeds boss Bielsa ‘opened his eyes’ to game: ID:341551: from db_amp
The 19-year-old moved to Elland Road from West Brom for £2.5million in January.

Wales forward Tyler Roberts has opened up on life under Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa and says it is not explosive as people would believe.

Bielsa is known as much for his fiery temper as his acclaimed coaching skills and has been christened “El Loco” – the crazy one.

The Argentinian’s career has been littered with controversial moments and bitter bust-ups and he quit Lazio just two days after joining the Italian club in July 2016.

But Roberts, who could win a fourth Wales cap against Denmark on Friday,  says he has only seen Bielsa’s softer side since breaking into the first-team at Elland Road.

“I haven’t seen him blow up,” Roberts said. “He was OK after Saturday (when Leeds lost 4-1 at West Brom).

“He always shakes everyone’s hand when we come in from the pitch.

“It’s always the same, win or lose. He was obviously not happy about Saturday, but that’s the same in every team after a result like that.”

Roberts joined Leeds from West Brom for £2.5million in January but injuries kept him out of the first-team picture until Bielsa’s arrival.

The 19-year-old, however, has made a big impact since with three goals in seven league starts.

Those goals have helped Leeds into third place in the Sky Bet Championship table and has coincided with Roberts making his mark on the international scene.

“I started as a winger with him (Bielsa),” said Roberts.

“But he’s seen me come away with Wales and play the number nine role.

“He’s taught me a lot about runs in behind, staying up the pitch and making important movements.

“He’s opened my eyes to another part of my game that maybe I didn’t see as well before.

“He’s got so much respect in the game and everyone at Leeds has bought into that culture.”

Roberts’ breakthrough at Leeds has been replicated at international level under Wales boss Ryan Giggs.

He made his debut in September’s Nations League victory over Republic of Ireland and his first start against the same opponents last month, a 1-0 win in Dublin.

Wales will top the group and secure promotion to the top tier of the Nations League by beating Denmark at the Cardiff City Stadium.

“The confidence the manager has in me helps me on the pitch to do what I’ve been doing,” Roberts said.

“Over the last six months it’s escalated quickly and took me by surprise.

“But I’ve been ready for every obstacle and just want to keep going and push on even more.

“I must admit I was star-struck when I first came into the squad and trained with Gareth (Bale) and Aaron (Ramsey).

“But you have to realise that they are your teammates and it’s just great to observe them and learn from them.”

amp_article__341551 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2018-11-14 12:55:16:
html db last update - 2018-11-14 12:55:16 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html

Click here for more stories about Tyler Roberts

Click here for more stories about Leeds United

Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Sunderland1594225111431
2Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd1510321971231
3Leeds UnitedLeeds158522491529
4Burnley157621861227
5West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom15672169725
6Watford158162322125
7Middlesbrough157352317624
8Millwall156541813523
9Blackburn RoversBlackburn156451917222
10Bristol City155732019122
11Swansea CitySwansea155461110119
12Derby CountyDerby155461919019
13Stoke CityStoke155461819-119
14Norwich CityNorwich154652322118
15Sheffield WednesdaySheff Weds155371725-818
16Oxford UnitedOxford Utd154561718-117
17Coventry CityCoventry154472021-116
18Plymouth ArgylePlymouth154471526-1116
19Hull City153661620-415
20Preston North EndPreston153661523-815
21Luton TownLuton154381726-915
22Cardiff CityCardiff154381423-915
23Portsmouth152671628-1212
24Queens Park RangersQPR151771225-1310
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .