Raphinha hails Leeds United head coach Marcelo Bielsa's human touch

Brazilian winger Raphinha joined the Whites from Rennes last October and the 24-year-old has already lit up the Premier League and weighed in with six goals and six assists.

Bielsa has regularly hailed the Brazilian's talents and Raphinha has now opened up on working on with United's head coach, drawing particular attention to the 65-year-old's care for his players.

“It’s been great to work with Bielsa," said Raphinha, in an interview with FourFourTwo.

"He’s always trying to make things better and improve the standards of everything and everyone – and the only way to do that is through hard work.

“Bielsa is a demanding manager, but that’s normal for top professionals.

"It’s important to mention his human side, too: he cares for everyone and tries to see how he can help every individual to get better.

“In a big squad, some guys naturally don’t get as much game time as they’d like, and it would be easy for them to feel a little bit down.

"But then Bielsa comes to talk to them, explains his reasons and keeps everyone motivated.

"Some people don’t appreciate the importance of that, but I do.

"Sometimes players need this attention and the support of their leader.

“In football, the coach is often a father figure for players – he wants to get the very best out of them, but cares as well.

"It’s not a cold relationship, and that’s definitely the case with Bielsa.

"It’s easy to work with him.”

https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/yorkshire-evening-post-launch-leeds-united-only-digital-subscription-ahead-premier-league-campaign-2967964

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Thank you Laura Collins