Leeds United defender Luke Ayling has opened up on the confidence he has built up during his time at the club in conducting interviews. Ayling had previously struggled talking to the media due to the speech impediment he has, which can make him stutter when talking.
Despite that, Ayling has built up a reputation as being one of the leaders within the dressing room at the Whites, often being the one to front up to the media in times of difficulty. His interview after the defeat to Nottingham Forest in Leeds ’ promotion campaign is still regarded as a major turning point that season, as they went on a superb run of form after a spell of four defeats in five matches.
He is also one of the biggest characters at Elland Road behind-the-scenes, too, and is currently the club’s vice-captain due to the leadership qualities he possesses. In an interview with BBC Sport, Ayling admitted that he used to ‘shy away’ from them at his previous clubs, and while he does still have insecurities, he has adopted a new attitude at Leeds in order to grow his confidence.
