Kemar Roofe thankful for Leeds United and Marcelo Bielsa past as striker gears up for Rangers

KEMAR ROOFE says his three years at Leeds United and coaching under Marcelo Bielsa have left him well primed for the challenge of Glasgow Rangers.
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Roofe has signed a four-year deal with the Ibrox giants whom the striker joined for an undisclosed fee from Anderlecht whom the forward left United for in the summer of 2019.

Roofe says he is fully aware of the expectation under boss Steven Gerrard at Rangers but the forward says three years at Leeds and one at Anderlecht will stand him in good stead, as will his tutelage under world renowned coach Bielsa and former Manchester City star Kompany at Anderlecht.

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"I've been fortunate enough to play for Leeds and Anderlecht, who are massive in Belgium,” Roofe told the Glasgow Evening Times.

READY FOR RANGERS: Former Leeds United striker Kemar Roofe. Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images.READY FOR RANGERS: Former Leeds United striker Kemar Roofe. Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images.
READY FOR RANGERS: Former Leeds United striker Kemar Roofe. Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images.

“I've had good experiences of big clubs where I've had to understand the culture and what it means to the area and to the fans.

“As soon as you understand what it means to the supporters and earn their respect, that's huge.

“When I retire, I'll have not a bad CV having worked with guys like (Marcelo) Bielsa, (Vincent) Kompany and Gerrard.

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“They're massive names in the game. Gerrard and Kompany were top, top players in their day who are now transitioning into being managers.

“Bielsa is a well-known top manager so working with these people will only benefit me at Rangers.”

Roofe added: "I know that if you're second you're nowhere in Glasgow,” he said. “But that's the case everywhere.

“It was the same at Leeds for me and in Belgium with Anderlecht. At Anderlecht, if you don't win in style, it means nothing.

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“Every club has a way of seeing thing, but the most important thing is just getting three points as often as possible.

“What he (Gerrard) said to me was simple. He wants me to work hard for myself and the team - and play my normal game.

“He wants me to help the team win. It's pretty straightforward, black and white.

“I need to do what I've been doing to get myself here and I can't wait to start.

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“The attraction of coming here was a bit of everything for me, not just one thing.

“The opportunity, the players, the fanbase, the history of the club – everything.”

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Thank you Laura Collins

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