Pablo Hernandez hails Marcelo Bielsa after signing new Leeds United contract

Add as preferred source on Google

Pablo Hernandez has committed his long-term future to Leeds United by signing a contract extension at Elland Road. 

The former Spain international has signed a new deal which runs until the summer of 2022. That will Hernandez up to his 37th birthday and it is an exceptional show of faith from the Leeds board to hand him such a deal at his age. 

It highlights just how impressive Hernandez has been since arriving at Leeds from Al-Arabi in 2016. Initially signed on loan by his former Swansea boss Garry Monk, Hernandez has become a firm fan favourite at the club and has arguably been given a second footballing life under Marcelo Bielsa’s guidance. 

Speaking to the official Leeds United website, Hernandez discussed just how important the Argentine has been for his development.

“It is a great experience for me to work with him.

“He is very positive for me, because with him I have played some of the best football in my career last year.

“With my age, sometimes when you arrive to this age 33, 34, 35, you think you have a lot of experience and you know everything in football, but a manager like Marcelo can improve you and help you to know new things in football and this has happened with me.”

TBR’s View

There is no doubt that Bielsa has helped improve Hernandez as a player, even at this late stage of his career. 

Many are questioning why Leeds have offered an extension to the player, considering his age, but Bielsa will undoubtedly have assured the board of his belief that Hernandez has plenty to offer over the next few years. 

With his footballing brain, there is no doubt that Hernandez could continue to play a role at Leeds long-term even if his speed and fitness start to evade him. 

Leeds fans will just hope he will be playing part of his new contract in the Premier League.