Robin Koch has been quoted by German outlet SGE4ever that it was an “extreme risk” to play for Leeds United as a defender, often pressing high and leaving the defence vulnerable. He is set to exit on a free.
Koch, 27, joined Leeds in the summer of 2020 from Freiburg and stayed at Elland Road for three years, clocking up just 77 outings in that time. He was a key player in the season that eventually saw us down.
The eight-time Germany star has a year left on his Leeds contract but has of course, gone to Germany and with Frankfurt on loan. Pretty much, Koch has ended his time at Leeds and will sign with Frankfurt.
Indeed, he can sign a pre-contract from January 1. Certainly, Koch is impressing with Frankfurt – playing all 12 games in all competitions. Every minute. Frankfurt have the best defence in the Bundesliga so far.
Despite his incredible form, Koch failed to get into the Germany squad for the October fixtures. But he is knocking on the door. He spoke to SGE4ever about his Leeds spell, and a lack of defensive protection.
“In Leeds there was a lot of pressing, therefore extreme risk at the back. It is of course more pleasant for a defender to keep a clean sheet or generally concede few goals,” Koch said, recalling his Leeds spell.
Robin Koch says it was an extreme risk to play for Leeds United
It does say a lot that Koch struggled to stem the flow of goals against Leeds while at Elland Road – but now, in a back three and playing with a different side in Frankfurt, tactically, he is performing superbly.
Ultimately, Leeds was not a good fit for the versatile defender. Frankfurt, is the best fit. He is probably right that playing for the Whites was not a good look for a defender. He will be leaving officially, in June.
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