Joel Robles has told Spanish newspaper Marca that he felt “happy” and “proud” to have made his Premier League debut for Leeds on Saturday in defeat to Manchester City – even despite the precarious position we find ourselves.
Robles, 32, was drafted in between the sticks by Sam Allardyce in what was only his third Leeds outing since joining the club in the summer on a free transfer. Illan Meslier’s form has been poor of late, and Allardyce made a change.
Indeed, ex-Everton and Wigan stopper Robles was impressive. He stopped Erling Haaland with the striker through on goal, and some might even claim that he got a touch on Ilkay Gundogan’s penalty – tipping it onto the upright.
Speaking after Saturday’s 2-1 loss, Robles stated that it is difficult to be happy given the position Leeds are in right now but said he does feel delight at working hard to get his chance – and feels the confidence of Allardyce in him.
“A lot of different emotions,” he said. “We’re in a situation where we need three points as soon as possible. I don’t know if I’m happy or not, but to play with a coach who trusts you in such a complicated situation. Well, that’s good.
“The truth is that you feel a little bit of pride, not for the whole year that you have been working very hard, waiting for the moments and well, well, that’s what we live as goalkeepers, isn’t it?,” Robles told Marca on Monday morning.
Joel Robles feels pride to make Premier League debut for Leeds United
Fabrizio Romano reports that Robles is set to remain in the starting line-up for the last three games under Big Sam and after his showing against Manchester City, it would be hard to drop him. But his long-term future is in doubt.
Of course, his contract ends in June and there are more than two clubs from Europe showing interest. So, it might be that Robles ends the season on a high and then goes. But surely, even if Leeds go down, he needs a new deal.
