Leeds still has place in Woodgate’s heart
This is winnable. I just want to help put this club on the football map
JONATHAN WOODGATE admits he is still a fan of Leeds – the club where he made his name as a player.
The Middlesbrough boss takes his side to Elland Road today certain that boss Marcelo Bielsa has them on the way up again.
Woodgate started his career at Leeds and was part of the side challenging in Europe and at the top of the Premier League 20 years ago.
He said: “I signed there as a schoolboy at 14, I moved to Wetherby at 16 and made my debut at 18. I learned a lot of lessons at
Leeds. I had two fantastic youth team coaches. It is a special club.
“I have such fond memories of being there. Boro is my club, but I still look at Leeds’ results.
“It has a special place in my heart with what we achieved there. But we want three points there.”
Woodgate’s side got their first win in eight games on Wednesday, against Barnsley, but second-placed Leeds will be a far bigger challenge.
Woodgate said: “Bielsa’s arrival raised eyebrows because no one thought they could get Bielsa. How they got a manager of that calibre is a credit to them.
“Leeds is a huge club. They’ve got a fantastic manager with experience around the world. He is doing an unbelievable job.
“They went close last season but dipped at the end but they have improved so much.
“It is one defeat in six games for us. Performances have been better. Leeds will be a difficult game, lost one at home all season and won their last four.”
Woodgate warned in the summer his squad was light and injuries have hit.
He said: “It can be difficult with three games in a week, with the squad we have got it is harder.
“But when your backs are to the wall, that’s when you come out fighting.”
Woodgate is without Rudy Gestede, Marcus Browne, Ryan Shotton, George Friend, Darren Randolph and Anfernee Dijksteel while Britt Assombalonga is a doubt.