Leeds midfielder Mateusz Klich admits he never thought he would make it to the Premier League

Leeds midfielder Mateusz Klich admits he is still pinching himself he is playing Premier League football ahead of clash against Crystal Palace and credits boss Marcelo Bielsa for helping him become a mainstay at Elland Road

  • Mateusz Klich has said he never thought he would play in the Premier League
  • The 30-year-old was a mid-table player in the Dutch top-flight four years ago
  • Now, Klich is a mainstay in the Leeds team and thanks boss Marcelo Bielsa

Mateusz Klich thought he would never play in the Premier League. The 30-year-old was a mid-table midfielder for Twente in the Dutch top flight less than four years ago.

Now, Klich is a mainstay of a Leeds team winning friends and plaudits for their endeavour and adventure in their first season back among the English elite.

And for that, the Poland international credits manager Marcelo Bielsa.

Mateusz Klich (above) has said that he never thought he would play in the Premier League

‘My girlfriend told me (in 2017), “You’re going to play in the Premier League one day”, and I said, “This is going to be difficult”,’ recalled Klich ahead of Monday night’s visit of Crystal Palace.

‘I knew I was getting older and was settled in Holland and wanted to stay. I said, “Yeah, the Bundesliga and probably Premier League are already gone. So I won’t make it”. 

‘Then I had the offer from the Championship with Leeds. I was thinking this might be my last chance, so I took it.

He played in the Dutch league four years ago and is now a key player for Leeds in the top flight

He played in the Dutch league four years ago and is now a key player for Leeds in the top flight 

The Poland international has credited Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa for his success

The Poland international has credited Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa for his success

‘The first season wasn’t great, but then Marcelo Bielsa came in as manager and the rest is history.’

Leeds would move into the top half with victory against Palace, and Klich added: ‘We seem like we can play to 150 per cent of our capacity (because of Bielsa), because we have all played the best football in our lives and we are all in the best physical condition.

‘But making it to the Premier League is one thing. I don’t want to play a couple of games and just be forgotten. There are a few seasons ahead of me.’

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