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White: Bielsa's attention to detail paying off

Ben White says that the work of head coach Marcelo Bielsa has been pivotal in Leeds United’s strong start to the Championship season.

By Alex Stedman • 04 September 2019

By Paul Hazlewood
Ben White signed a one-year contract extension with the Albion until 2022, before joining Marcelo Bielsa's side on loan for the season.

The on-loan Albion defender has started all six league games for the side so far this term, picking up four wins and a draw in the process, and he believes the recent form is down to Bielsa’s meticulous work off the field during pre-season.

He said, “Working under the manager has been great, people have said about his methods day to day and he is very demanding.

“He’s very detailed in everything he does and for me it’s been about picking up the habits which he wants me to play with.

“It’s been hard work – we did double sessions throughout pre-season every day, we were in from nine in the morning to seven at night, it’s definitely one of the reasons why we’ve started the season as well as we have.”

By REX/Shutterstock.
Ben White in action for Leeds United.

White and the team have kept three clean sheets in four of the aforementioned victories, and the defender spoke about the admirers that the start to the campaign has attracted. 

“It’s been really good so far, everyone’s helped me settle in and the lads are a good group to be around,” he continued. 

“It’s been a strong start too; the weekend’s result wasn’t the one we wanted but we have a few weeks now to rest and prepare for the game after the international break.

“Winning the matches in the way we did obviously attracted admiring glances – our work without the ball gets noticed because we work hard, and our attacking play has been good to watch so far too.”

By REX/Shutterstock.
Ben White.

White plied his trade at both Newport County and Peterborough United in the other two respective divisions in the EFL, and believes that getting out and experiencing senior environments has been vital to the progress he’s made. 

“Making the move into senior football toughens you up, there’s no doubt about that.

“It’s certainly helped me, and I’ve made progress with each of my loan spells. You can get to play against bigger sides if you have a good cup run like I did against Tottenham Hotpsur when I was with Newport County and that attracts attention.

“I’ve seen the praise I’ve been getting since I arrived at the club and it’s obviously very nice. 

“I haven’t really had that attention before, it’s a massive club – but I’m just focused on what I’m trying to do for the team, our aim this year is promotion and we all believe we can achieve that.”