Superstar reflects on Leeds United’s ‘ups and downs’, loan target Bielsa and Middlesbrough

Sam Greenwood reflects on Leeds United’s ‘ups and downs’, loan target Bielsa and Middlesbrough

The versatile Leeds United youngster is spending the rest of the 2023-24 campaign on loan at the Riverside Stadium

Sam Greenwood's quality is forcing Jesse Marsch into 'not fair' Leeds  United calls - Leeds Live

Sam Greenwood has reflected on the ‘ups and downs’ at Leeds United in recent seasons as he sets out his goals for his season-long loan move to Middlesbrough.

In a busy summer window for Leeds, the versatile 21-year-old was shipped out to Championship rivals Boro on loan for the rest of the season amid a flurry of late arrivals at Elland Road. Greenwood arrived at Leeds in the summer of 2021, quickly establishing himself as a key player in the U21s side before becoming an option initial for Marcelo Bielsa, then the likes of Jesse Marsch and Javi Gracia who were the next men up in the Leeds dugout.

“It’s been great,” he said, reflecting on his time in West Yorkshire. “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 arrived in Leeds and it is clear that the England U21s international has plenty of respect for his old boss and the demanding regime he ran at Elland Road.

“It was really tough” he admitted. “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.

Greenwood has made 35 first-team appearances for the Whites, but the midfield signings of the likes of Ethan Ampadu, Ilia Gruev and Glen Kamara mean that competition

Leeds youngster Sam Greenwood ready for the first team?

for places in Daniel Farke’s team was growing more fierce, making Greenwood expendable for the current campaign.

“I’m just excited to be playing for Middlesbrough,” Greenwood said when asked if he was disappointed to be leaving Elland Road. “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 is a native of the north east, beginning his career at Sunderland and hopes that this will help him slot in easier at the Riverside Stadium.

“How big the club is and the fanbase, I know they have a massive following. Being from the north east, I know how big it is and how exciting the football is they play.”

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