Laurens De Bock has given his thoughts on why his career at Leeds United hasn’t gone to plan.
Despite not having played for the Whites since March 2018, the Belgian remains a Leeds player, having signed a four-and-a-half-year contract in January 2018.
The left-back has taken in loan spells at Oostende, Sunderland, ADO Den Haag and Zulte Waregem over the past two seasons.
De Bock admitted back in July that he wanted a move away from Elland Road, and didn’t hesitate when the opportunity to move to Zulte Waregem arose.
And Leeds fans may not be too happy with his comments in an interview with Sport/Voetbalmagazine as he gave his thoughts on why he hasn’t had many opportunities with the Whites.
“I had the misfortune to arrive each time in clubs that were in a negative spiral,” De Bock said.
“Let’s take Leeds: I was immediately in the starting line-up and I played a good first game against Millwall, in front of my family and friends, all present in the stands. My feeling was fantastic despite the 3-4 defeat.
“Atmosphere in the packed stadium… I thought: ‘As long as it lasts…’
“Unfortunately, the club changed coaches [Paul Heckingbottom replaced Thomas Christiansen] soon after [I arrived] and the new one [Marcelo Bielsa] didn’t like me on the bench.
“Then I was loaned out to Oostende, but there too the results were bad. It is difficult to impose yourself in these conditions.”
When asked about still being paid by Leeds during his time on loan, De Bock replied: “Obviously, earning a lot is nice. Football is my job after all. But I was never motivated by money.
“At the time, I also had the option of going to play in Russia, where I would have got even more, but I did not accept.
De Bock added: “It’s not the desire to convince people that motivates me. Anyway, in football you can never please everyone.
“We are a demigod when we are successful, but as soon as we go through a difficult period, those who adored you let you down.”
