New Leeds United signing Robin Koch has revealed the pivotal role that Mateusz Klich played in convincing him to sign for the club.
The Whites confirmed the capture of Koch for an undisclosed fee believed to be £13million from Freiburg on a four-year deal on Saturday evening, as Marcelo Bielsa added some much-needed depth to the centre of his defence.
German international Koch previously played with Klich at Kaiserslautern and the 24-year-old was quick to turn to the Pole for advice when he became aware of Leeds' interest in him earlier this year.
"Most of the time I talked to him and asked him how is Leeds, how is the coach, how is training," Koch said as his arrival was confirmed.
"I asked him nearly everything and he answered every question. He said it's a very special club and the coach is really good. Everyone said this before, all good about the coach and the club. But I wanted to hear from a player who was here and Mateusz said the same so I had good information directly from a player in Leeds so it was perfect for me."
This, combined with the draw of working under Bielsa in the Premier League proved too good an opportunity for the centre-back to turn down.
Bielsa has every member of the current Leeds squad playing the best football of their careers and Koch knows that he now has the opportunity to take his game to new heights.
"That's one of the reasons for me to come to Leeds," he continued. "I talked to the players and even Klich said the coach really makes us better. I heard it from a lot of people, but to hear it directly from a player under him was good for me and I'm ready for my next step in a new league and also to get on the next level of personality in my game and I think this is the best step for me under Bielsa in Leeds."
Klich, who has played in all-but one of Leeds' league and play-off games under Bielsa over the past years did have a warning for old friend however, as he pulled no punches in telling Koch just how demanding the Argentine's training regime is.
"Yeah, Mateusz told me it's really brutal, so maybe similar to Freiburg. Every time training is on the limits, even in the games. The coach Christian Streich is also a friend of hard work so maybe it's similiar. I will see but I feel ready.
"The Premier League is one of the biggest leagues in the world. Wherever you go on holiday everyone knows the Premier League. Now to play with Leeds here in the Premier League, it's a big dream. First game against Liverpool, there's nothing to say."
Koch will now return to Germany where he is a part of Die Mannschaft's squad for their Nations League double header against Spain and Switzerland.
