Barry Douglas has opened up on his decision to leave Leeds United in search of first-team football.
The Scottish left-back became the first member of the Whites' promotion squad to depart, joining Blackburn Rovers on a season-long loan.
Having signed from Wolves for £3million in 2018, injuries hampered Douglas' debut season at the club, with Ezgjan Alioski and Stuart Dallas taking advantage.
Dallas' excellent form kept him in Bielsa's team as he made the left-back spot his own, leaving Douglas struggling to recapture the form that made him such a popular man at Molineux.
Marcelo Bielsa spoke admirably about Douglas in the press and made it clear that he was not looking to push the defender out the door.
The 31-year-old has admitted he could have stayed at Elland Road but in his early 30s, he wanted to regular first-team football and to continue pushing himself.
“Football is a short career, I’d never rest on my laurels," he told the Lancashire Telegraph.
"I could have stayed at Leeds, I was wanted to stay and compete for a place, but I wasn’t guaranteed football.
“I felt the onus was on me to make that decision and that’s the way that I approach things.
“I don’t want to be comfortable, I want to go and challenge myself and that’s how I address things.
“I was always hopeful of finding the right solution. It wasn’t just about going out there and playing, it had to be the right fit, the right club.
“Thankfully we got there in the end and I’m here now and my full focus is on helping Blackburn compete and try and achieve success.”
