Leeds United player breaks quiet on his future as rival manager talks about failed bid
The latest Leeds United news as Daniel Farke’s team prepares to return to Championship play.
Marc Roca, a Leeds United midfielder, has given little away about his long-term future as he enjoys a strong start to his loan spell with Real Betis. The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich player joined Elland Road last summer and appeared in 36 games across all competitions in his first season.
He was unable to make a difference, though, and the Whites were demoted to the Championship. Roca, like a lot of his teammates, chose to leave Leeds this summer, joining La Liga club Betis on a season-long loan, and he has started all four of his new side’s games so far.
Roca claimed that his first month at the Benito Villamarin Stadium went “smoothly,” but that he will “live day to day” rather than think about his long-term destiny.
“I handled it well, very naturally and calmly,” the midfielder told Spanish publication El Desmarque. I’d made two moves in three years, to Bayern Munich and Leeds, and with that experience, you take things more easily. I was aware of Betis’ circumstances, and they were aware of mine.
“I spoke with Ramón (Planes, Betis’ sporting director), as well as the coach, and I knew I’d have to wait a few weeks.” Everything went smoothly, and I was able to arrive and register on the first day, which was critical.
“With the loan, I am very comfortable and happy this season; we’ll see.” Let’s see how things progress in the coming months. These are issues that must be discussed, two clubs must reach an agreement, and then there is me. I prefer to live in the current moment, and I am enthusiastic to assist the team.”
Leeds United manager’s ‘happy’ summer move failed
Daniel Thioune, manager of Fortuna Dusseldorf, admitted he was ‘glad’ to see Leeds United’s deal for midfielder Ao Tanaka collapse. According to Bild, the Whites made a £3.2 million bid for the 21-time Japan international during the summer transfer window, but it was quickly rejected by the Bundesliga II club.
Tanaka has been a steady figure at Fortuna, appearing in five of their six competitive games in the opening month of the season, leaving his boss pleased with his club’s selection.
“He is here,” he informed the Rheinische Post. It’s probably not just his decision how long he’ll stay here. He might have moved on otherwise. “I’m relieved (he stayed).”
