Leeds United new boy Ian Poveda keen for Marcelo Bielsa to work coaching magic and improve him

Ian Poveda hopes Marcelo Bielsa can work his coaching magic to make the Leeds United new boy a better player.
Leeds United's new signing from Manchester City, Ian Poveda (Pic: Leeds United)Leeds United's new signing from Manchester City, Ian Poveda (Pic: Leeds United)
Leeds United's new signing from Manchester City, Ian Poveda (Pic: Leeds United)

The winger passed his medical and signed for the Whites on Thursday, before his move from Manchester City was finally confirmed on Friday evening, making him the second Elland Road arrival of the January transfer window.

United have now brought in the goalkeeper – Italian teen Elia Caprile – and the wide player they wanted, with just a striker still to be secured before next Friday’s deadline.

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Nineteen-year-old Poveda, whose time at City was due to end this summer, is a permanent signing for the Whites.

“I’m very, very pleased, I know that Leeds United are a big club,” he said, after signing a four-and-a-half-year deal.

“I know Leeds won the league the year before it turned into the Premier League and I believe they should be back there. I’m here to help the team as much as possible, to get promoted and restore this great club back to where it belongs.”

His ability to play on both flanks or down the middle is undoubtedly one of the reasons United head coach Bielsa was keen on bringing the former Chelsea, Arsenal and Barcelona youth in to replace Jack Clarke.

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And Poveda himself is keen to work for a coach known to develop players.

“I’m an attacking player, I can play right wing, left wing or in attacking midfield, I like to dribble with the ball, link up the play, score goals, create chances, assist and I work hard for the team,” said the youngster.

“I’ve had great experiences at all my previous clubs.

“I learnt a lot, especially when I was away at Barcelona and it’s definitely added to how I am as player.

“I’m very excited to work under Bielsa, I know he improves players and that’s what I’m looking to do under his guidance.