Sam Greenwood addresses Middlesbrough transfer, his Leeds United 'ups and downs' and Bielsa - Teesside Live 9/9/23

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Versatile forward Sam Greenwood will spend the 2023/24 season on loan at Middlesbrough

By Dom Howson

Sam Greenwood has returned to his local roots as he looks to kickstart his fledgling career again. The 21-year-old left Leeds United before the summer transfer window closed, opting to join Middlesbrough on loan until the end of the season.

Greenwood, who made his Boro debut as a second half substitute against Queens Park Rangers last weekend, is a native of the north east, having begun his career at Sunderland. "I'm over the moon," said Greenwood after completing the temporary switch. "Being from the North-East, I know how big a club it is and I'm just excited.

"It's really nice to be back. Having my family here to support me and all those extra bits of help, it's really nice."

Is he disappointed not to be playing at Elland Road under Daniel Farke? "I'm just excited to be playing for Middlesbrough," stressed Greenwood. "I can't wait to kick on and get some valuable minutes under my belt.

"I just want to play as well as we can as a team and push for everything that's possible."

Greenwood said the size of the club and the fan-base persuaded him to move to the Riverside stadium. "I know they have a massive following," he said. "Being from the North-East, I know how big it is and how exciting the football is they play."

Despite his Sunderland connection, he is confident the fans will get behind him. He said: "Yeah, I think they'll be supportive. There's been a lot of Sunderland players who've played for Middlesbrough and vice-versa, so I don't think it's too bad."

So what can Boro fans expect from him this season? Greenwood said: "I like to shoot, anywhere around the box, set-pieces, I'm both footed and create opportunities to score."

The forward can operate in the No 10 position or be deployed as a striker. “When I played midfield, he (Jesse Marsch, former Leeds boss) saw something different with my passing range and said I was good at counter pressing, so that's why he put me there. But my main position is up-front and anywhere up-top."

Two years have elapsed since Greenwood moved to West Yorkshire. The England Under-21 international has worked under a number of different managers, including Marcelo Bielsa, Marsch, Javi Gracia and Farke.

Reflecting on his time at the club, Greenwood said: "It's been great. Obviously I have enjoyed it so much, it's full of great people and the likes of Kalvin Phillips really looked after new lads, especially young lads. We had a lot of ups and downs."

Bielsa was the man in charge when Greenwood initially joined the club. He said: "It was really tough. I would say he's a genius at what he does.

"Without having a really close relationship with the players, he keeps his distance and his knowledge is unbelievable. The intensity of training is so high. You have to be so mentally strong to be able to get through every day."

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