Rodrigo Moreno is not the first player to take time to adapt to the Premier League – and he certainly won’t be the last – but his journey to Leeds United comes a decade on from his first taste of life in England. In an interview with football publication AS, translated from Spanish,
Rodrigo said: “His working methodology is nothing like what I’ve encountered with other coaches. It’s a more analytical way of working. It’s all real game situations and he breaks them down. If you do one-on-one work, it’s one-on-one. The physical part is of brutal importance. And then there’s the personality, which is what it is, very strong, but always with respect. What you see at a press conference is him, he never says anything in front of the gallery. The demand is maximum. The relationship with the player is purely professional. On a physical level I’ve improved a lot. The physical demand of the Premier League is higher and, that of Bielsa, even more so. It’s about being better than your opponent on the field. I am playing in a position more of midfielder than as a striker, although in Valencia I also played in several positions. That’s not so new to me.”
After progressing through the ranks at Real Madrid, spells at Bolton (loan), Benfica and Valencia followed before Rodrigo arrived in England for £26million last summer. With three goals in 12 starts, the Spaniard has been made to play second fiddle, at times, while Leeds remain a solid 12th – despite a disappointing run of one win in their last six matches.
Rodrigo continued: “It’s been an irregular year. First of all, I had to adapt and it took me a little bit of time getting into the team; when I did, I caught Covid. Two weeks completely stopped and when I picked up the pace again, I got injured and I’ve been out of play for a month. In that context, I am happy with the results I have had in the 20 games I have been able to play. It has been a positive season, but also irregular in terms of results. The goal was to keep the team in Premier League and to keep taking steps and settle the club where it needs to be. That goal I think we’re going to achieve and follow it up. I’m happy at Leeds.”
When questioned about a Spanish international signing for a newly-promoted team, Rodrigo set the record straight that his move was not a step down.
Rodrigo said: “Leeds is a landmark [club]. In terms of structure and infrastructure, it is an elite club at the level of others in which I have been [Benfica or Valencia]. My decision was influenced by the project they presented to me. Leeds approached the ascent like a new cycle.”
