Jaka Bijol has yet to play a Premier League minute for Leeds United, which could be frustrating for the giant Slovenian defender.
Leeds United signed Bijol on a five-year contract after suggestions months ago that Leeds should look at signing Bijol from Udinese. That was before the concrete links emerged between Bijol and Leeds.
In terms of a pure defender who likes to defend, the 26-year-old ticks so many boxes. Bijol’s outstanding aerial ability and dominance was on full display when Slovenia played England at the Euros last summer.
However, Bijol missed Leeds’ opener against Everton, as we first revealed. That has allowed Pascal Struijk and Joe Rodon to make their mark and nail down the starting roles. The problem is that, on paper, Bijol should be crucial to Leeds’ survival hopes.
Jaka Bijol’s most recent comments about life with Leeds United
The reason Bijol was signed was due to his defending style but also his experience of playing for teams in a relegation dog fight. It was a ‘crazy’ announcement for Bijol regarding his suspension but it’s stopped him from breaking in.
It was unfortunate timing, given that Bijol is arguably a part of Leeds’ best XI and potentially the best central defender at the club. He should get his chance from Daniel Farke at some stage after Bijol was a big-money signing from Udinese.
That said, Leeds fans don’t yet want Bijol in. The Slovenian will have to bide his time and has spoken about that fact lately. Firstly, Bijol has explained his frustration to his Slovenia boss Matjaz Kek recently.
Now, speaking via Ekipa, Bijol has explained his feelings. He said: “I understand the situation. After all, it’s not like I don’t know why it’s like this. We started the season well, after all, there was no need to make changes in the team.
“The season is long. Now the results have been a little worse in the recent period and I hope my opportunity will come as soon as possible. But I certainly understood why the situation is like this. And why I didn’t play as much as I would have liked.
“But it’s a little different for central defenders and goalkeepers than for other players in the field. Because we usually don’t come in for a few minutes to get a feel for the team, the pitch. You either play 90 minutes or you don’t.
“But I’m definitely ready for the opportunity when it comes, sooner or later, and I’m sure I’ll take advantage of it. For now, I’m very happy, because our primary goal is to stay in the league. I want to play in the Premier League, if not this year, then next year.
“In any case, we have to collect points, so I’m very happy that we started the season as well as we did. There is certainly healthy competition at the club, which I haven’t been used to for a few years. It was something normal for me to play every game for the full 90 minutes.
“But maybe I also wanted it to get me out of my comfort zone, because it’s still the highest level in football. Now I’m here and I’m not surprised that the situation is the way it is. Of course, I’m not happy about it, but it is what it is — let’s move on.
“I’m definitely not happy about my teammates’ mistakes, because in the long run they are bad for the team and consequently for me as well.”
Jaka Bijol’s previous comments on slow start with Leeds
Bijol hasn’t even been brought on late by Farke to help Leeds see games out. So far, he has been wedded to a 4-3-3 shape. However a back three of a trio of centre-backs could also be a way to go.
It’s not the first time Bijol has spoken out about his start to Leeds life, insisting that he’ll eventually come good after a slow start.
Bijol said: “Two games on the bench is no big deal. I haven’t had a real chance to earn minutes at Leeds yet. Give me a little more time to show what I can do.”
Nothing has changed since, though, which is the major concern now. Leeds need to get their warrior centre-back in somehow.
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