HERR STYLISTS
Koch says Leeds’ exciting brand of play is winning them new fans in Germany
ROBIN KOCH has revealed how Leeds are winning new fans in his native Germany because of their entertaining football.
Koch says his German team-mates, friends and family love watching Marcelo Bielsa’s side because they are so exciting.
Leeds turned on the style to beat Tottenham last Saturday and the defender says people in Germany admire the way they always attack.
“In the games when we played some big teams, we got some good results,” said Koch.
“Even when we lost to Liverpool in the first game, I felt we played really well and I got a lot of messages from friends and other players back in Germany.
“They said they really love watching our games. This is one of the best things you can get when other footballers, who know what football is and how it works, say to you that you’re playing well.” Koch, 24, who was born in Kaiserslautern, signed from Bundesliga SC Freiburg last year on a four-year deal and Bielsa’s open style helped him settle quickly at Elland Road following his £11.7million switch.
He likes to play out from the back and said: “I’m good with the ball to open the game up.
“I feel I fit well for Leeds. When I am defending, I’m not the smallest guy on the pitch so I think I’m good at heading and winning tackles. Marcelo was one of the main reasons why I joined Leeds and to help me take the next step.”
Koch, who has seven caps for Germany, has made 17 Premier League appearances for Leeds, despite missing just over three months with a knee injury and has shown his versatility by deputising for Kalvin Phillips in the midfield holding role.
Liam Cooper’s return for today’s clash with Burnley at Turf Moor means Bielsa (left) has his full complement of centre-halves available.
Koch says the fierce competition for places brings the best out of everyone as Leeds aim to end their successful first season back in the Premier League on a high.
“We have good quality in the team and now everyone is fit, we can get the best out of the team,” he said.
“For every opponent, it is difficult to play against us. We go into every game with the same mentality, every game is a big game.”