Leeds player admits he is starting to suffer from Marcelo Bielsa intensity

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Mateusz Klich has told Polish outfit Sportowe Fakty he is starting to struggle with the intensity that Marcelo Bielsa expects from his Leeds United players – stating that he is picking up niggling injuries that is affecting his momentum.

Klich, 30, started 93 of the club’s 94 Championship fixtures in the two years it took Bielsa to get the Whites promoted into the Premier League. But this season, that consistency has been questioned, and certainly, he has dropped out of the starting XI.

The last three Premier League games, for example, have seen Klich hooked at half-time against West Ham – before being used as a substitute against Chelsea and Fulham. He has completed just 90 minutes in 14 of his 29 league appearances.

Bielsa has even admitted that the former Wolfsburg and FC Twente man has played with injury at times, and Klich has now stated he is struggling with the intensity at Elland Road – stating he is suffering from some little issues.

“I admit that yes, that’s why I’ve been resting more in the club lately,” Klich said. “I started two matches on the bench. Over the last three years I have “loaded” some of these games, and I have not had any holidays.

“Fortunately, I was avoiding serious injuries, but minor ones started to happen to me. From overload, from intensity. My joints don’t hurt yet, I’m only 30 years old, but something hurts.

“At the club, we also train very hard between meetings, so it’s hard to regain freshness. I hope to catch my breath, because I have the best matches when I am physically prepared.”

TBR’s view – Klich needs a rest

But Leeds failure to bring another body to the club has meant that Klich has been forced to continue playing. He is a good player, he has enormous quality, he can score goals and he can create – but a lack of form, and then injuries, means he needs a rest.

Leeds tried to sign Rodrigo De Paul in the summer, but Leeds were priced out of a move by Udinese. Then, Michael Cuisance arrived for a medical – only to fail that. He has since flopped at Marseille. Klich is good, but he needs help.

When all players are fit, Klich probably should be a squad player that can come in for a De Paul, or another midfielder. That will allow hik to be fresh when used by Bielsa going forward.