Adam Forshaw has spoken about the differences between this season and last season at Leeds United , stressing that continuity has been key to
For the second year running, Leeds are going into the new year top of the table.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side have picked up the exact same number of points at the same stage as last season, but boast a nine-point lead over third - four points more than last year.
In a new interview, it was pointed out to Forshaw that Leeds lost ten times in the second half of the season, compared to just three times before Christmas.
With reference to the infamous ‘Bielsa burnout’, Forshaw explained why he believes Leeds are better equipped for promotion this season,
“I think any team can run out of energy in the Championship,” Forshaw told BBC Radio Five Live .
“You can see how relentless it is, I don’t think you can put that down to the manager at all.
“The way he’s improved us since he came in is unbelievable really. We finished 13th the season before, no disrespect to the other managers or whatnot, but it’s pretty much the same squad bar a couple of different signings and loanees. What he’s done with the team is brilliant.”
Forshaw looked a vital part of Marcelo Bielsa’s first-choice team in the early weeks of the season bar a brief comeback against Charlton, in which he featured for 45 minutes, he hasn’t featured since August.
It’s hoped that the 28-year-old, struggling with a hip issue, will be return in the second half of the season to make an impact, with the likes of Jamie Shackleton and Pablo Hernandez also sidelined in midfield in recent weeks.
But as someone who was with the squad last season, Forshaw has pinpointed one big plus for Leeds this season. He suggested the players are always developing under Bielsa, the first manager since Simon Grayson nearly a decade ago to start back-to-back seasons in charge of the club.
“I think the big thing is the continuity,” he added.
“The manager’s obviously stayed with the staff. That was up in the air slightly.
“The players know exactly what’s expected of them now, we’re more accustomed to how he trains, everything about him. Hopefully the proof will be in the pudding at the end of the season.
“Leeds have had a lot of managers up until Marcelo Bielsa, in the last three or four years. I think to really have a structure and something in place, we feel like we’re building something.
“We do feel like more of a heavyweight within the division than last season.
“Things are good, we’re really confident.”
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