Jack Harrison expresses thanks to Marcelo Bielsa as winger closes in on Leeds United milestone

Double and even triple training sessions; an incredible focus on tactics and formations; an intense, energetic and high-press playing style.

Bielsa’s demands, though, says Harrison, are worth it, with the winger grateful to United’s head coach for his development both physically and mentally over the last two years.

Manchester City winger Harrison initially arrived on loan at Leeds in July 2018, having played just 47 minutes of football in the English game in four appearances as a second-half substitute on loan at Middlesbrough.

Two years later, the winger has amassed 77 league starts as part of 91 outings for Leeds with 10 goals and 11 Championship assists along the way.

As part of an impressive 2019-20 campaign, Harrison featured in every one of United’s league games, starting every match apart from United’s penultimate game of the season at Derby County.

By then, promotion to the Premier League and the Championship title was secured with United on their way to a 27th victory of the season as Harrison was introduced in the 77th minute to keep up his ever-present record.

Back for a third season-long loan spell, the 23-year-old is now eyeing further steps forward in the Premier League with Harrison saluting the work of Bielsa in aiding his development in more ways than one.

“I think I have grown a lot,” said Harrison, speaking to BBC Radio Leeds.

“And in all different aspects as well, not only on the pitch but working with the mental side of the game and facing those challenges that can come up through a players’ career and battling those.

"Then there’s looking at the analysis side and different ways I can improve my game that way too.

“It’s been a great experience and a learning experience in all aspects really and I can only thank Marcelo for that.

“I have been really grateful for the time that I have had on the pitch and all those opportunities that he has given me to grow as a player.

“When I first came to Leeds, it was about realising the pressures that come with playing at such a huge club and how much it means to the fans and that piece of the game as well.

"And then learning to play at a high level consistently.

“I think anyone can tell you that it’s not easy playing for Marcelo.

"But if you do what he asks and do the right things then you can improve yourself as a player and definitely, ultimately come out better. I think that’s what I’ve had to do.

“The first year was just about facing a few challenges but, once you get through those challenges and get to know what Marcelo wants and how he can improve you as a player, then I think you can really make the most of these opportunities.”

After a season that featured a 16-week pause owing to the country’s battle against coronavirus, Harrison and his Whites team-mates returned to training at Thorp Arch last Thursday after just three weeks off. Leeds, though, under Bielsa, are well-accustomed to hard graft.

“He’s a very demanding manager,” admitted Harrison.

“He demands a lot from his players but ultimately, as players, you know it’s going to be good for you in the end.

"We know that as a team and we know that going forward so we have to follow his leads.

“He knows the best way to do it; obviously this last season he has shown that with his management and being able to get to the Premier League with the players that he has had.

“We all know that as a group, we just have to continue to buy into it and continue to follow it and, hopefully, we will do well next year again in the Premier League.”

For Harrison, nine more outings will bring up a century of appearances for the Whites, and the winger admits Bielsa has stood by him through thick and thin.

“I have obviously been grateful for those opportunities,” said the winger.

“There were times, especially during my first year, where I have not had the best of performances.

“But Marcelo has continued to give me opportunities to play and to prove myself and I have been really grateful for that.

“I have worked really hard to improve my game in this last season and the effects of working with Marcelo has definitely showed.

“I can only hope to continue to get those opportunities and continue to improve and develop myself as a player.”

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Thank you Laura Collins