Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Leeds Live
Leeds Live
Sport
Danny Bloomer

'Always carry him' - Raphinha dedicates recent success to key Leeds United figure

Former Leeds United star Raphinha has dedicated much of his recent success down to Marcelo Bielsa. Raphinha spent much of his time at Elland Road under the stewardship of Bielsa – a period where his reputation both at club and international level grew significantly.

His form in his debut campaign, as well as the first half of his second season, saw him earn a starting spot in Brazil’s national team, which he is yet to relinquish since. The 25-year-old then earned a move to Barcelona earlier this month and is already beginning to make his mark in pre-season.

He netted on his debut against Inter Miami, before scoring a stunning winner in the El Clasico against Real Madrid a few days later. Speaking in an interview with Mundo Deportivo, Raphinha claimed that without Bielsa’s guidance there is a chance he may not have been where he is today and insists he will ‘always carry’ the Argentine with him.

READ MORE: Cody Drameh's Leeds United transfer stance amid the fight for starts with Kristensen and Ayling

He said: “He’s a coach who helped me a lot from the first moment I arrived at Leeds. He always demands more, always demands maximum performance.

“He helped me get to the national team and helped me get to Barça. If it wasn’t for his teachings, as a group or individually, I probably wouldn’t be here.

“In addition to having a style of play that is always respectful of the ball, he seeks maximum performance in training and in games, he was an important person for me and for my career, I will always carry him with me.

“They [Bielsa and Xavi] are different, Marcelo has a unique way of working. It’s the ‘Marcelo Bielsa style’, let’s call it that. Every coach is different. Just as each person has a way of leading his life, each player and each coach is different in their work.”

Go here for all the latest Leeds United news

READ NEXT

Leeds United transfer news LIVE as left-back needed following Leif Davis exit, Charles De Ketelaere latest

Sam Greenwood's quality is forcing Jesse Marsch into 'not fair' Leeds United calls

Charles de Ketelaere transfer latest: Leeds United target continues to 'push' for AC Milan move

De Ketelaere, Terrier, Kalimuendo, Harrison, Bate and Leeds United transfers state of play

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.