Pablo Hernandez has provided insight into how Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa has given him a fresh perspective on football.
The 34-year-old Spaniard has just signed a new two-year deal with the club, and has stressed even as an experienced player he’s still learning under the Argentinian coach.
He made a special mention to the financial burden it takes for dedicated Leeds supporters to follow the team home and away, especially for local working class fans.
“I think he’s helped the players to know some things, also with football,” he said.
“Like giving value to people around the club, the fans, how difficult it is for some fans to pay for tickets and to follow the team for away games.
“I think this is important for us, because we play for us, for the players and for the club, but we play for a lot of people outside the club: fans here in Leeds, in England and around the world. Not just in England.”
That latest quote, about appreciating the supporters, recalls one of Bielsa’s first acts at Leeds - making the squad go round picking litter to gain perspective on how many hours the fans work in order to afford a match ticket.
“I always say the same, it’s a great surprise for me to work with him,” added Hernandez.
“I learn a lot of things from him, not just in the supportive way in the personal, I’m a human being and it’s important for me.
“It’s a great experience and I always try to learn the positive things from my managers. I am an experienced player, but the last 18 months when I’ve worked with him has been a great experience.”
The midfielder has been a fan favourite ever since he joined the club in 2016, consistently one of Leeds most creative and technically gifted players.
Last season he scored 12 goals and registered 12 assists as the Whites agonisingly missed out on promotion.
His new contract commits his future at Elland Road until 2022. He also spoke about how the fans make him extra motivated to bring the club back to the Premier League.
“I am very happy,” he said.
“Because I feel the fans love me and for me this is extra motivation and for me, I can just do one thing when I feel this, it’s to give 100% every day.
“I try to give every game and every day in the training ground. Everything, because I think the club and the fans deserve this.”
Visit our dedicated Leeds United page for the latest news, views and analysis from Elland Road.
