Surprise Leeds United captain casts definitive verdict on Elland Road's newest 'fighter' - YEP 9/8/22
Leeds United defender Robin Koch took the armband for the last few minutes of the 2-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend
By Joe Donnohue
Leeds’ club captain Liam Cooper is currently sidelined with
an Achilles problem picked up during pre-season, but that does not mean United
are short of leaders.
Patrick Bamford proudly took the armband on Saturday
afternoon as Leeds kicked off their 2022/23 Premier League campaign to Wolves.
Upon being substituted after 84 minutes, Bamford transferred
the captaincy to German international defender Robin Koch for the remainder of
the match.
Speaking to German outlet BILD, Koch stated: “I like to take
on responsibility in the team, even off the field. I also see that as one of my
tasks. On the pitch, it’s also important that you perform and move forward.
"My agent and I were very much in agreement that we
should focus solely on the situation at Leeds. Of course, it was important for
me that we managed to stay up. I feel very comfortable here and still have a
lot of goals with the club,” he added, pondering the possibility of relegation
at the end of last season.
Koch was pictured on his knees hugging teammate Junior Firpo
as Jack Harrison wheeled away celebrating Leeds’ winner at Brentford on the
final day, and has shared his relief at remaining in the top flight.
As a result of retaining their Premier League status, Leeds’
summer transfer business has allowed them to acquire a vast array of European
experience, including a couple of players from Koch’s native Bundesliga.
Marc Roca – formerly of Bayern Munich – joined the club in
June and has already struck up a relationship with the 26-year-old central
defender, Koch says.
“He has a fine technique, but he also has the gene to want
to fight for every ball. Marc is not only a technician but also a fighter who
fits into the Premier League. He also speaks very good German. I told him to
keep it that way. It’s just important for him to get minutes now.”
Roca impressed on his competitive Leeds debut last weekend
and looks set to retain his place in Jesse Marsch’s starting XI throughout the
season.
