Leeds United employee shares real reason for Rodrigo resurgence after behind-the-scenes reveal
Noel Whelan has heralded Jesse Marsch as the reason behind Rodrigo’s resurgence in form for Leeds United.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Leeds striker and club ambassador insisted the new manager’s “man-management” has worked wonders for the 31-year-old’s “belief” at Elland Road.
Speaking to the Yorkshire Evening Post (25 March), Rodrigo revealed Marsch held one-to-one chat with him where they discussed the manager’s style of football, where Rodrigo fits in and the trust he has in the Spaniard.
The former Valencia star insisted the chat was important for his “state of mind and my confidence.”
Whelan raved over Rodrigo’s recent performances and insisted Marsch has had a major influence.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “It’s that man-management, isn’t it? It’s that trust, that belief and instilling it back into a player that might be going through a bit of a bad season.
“He hasn’t hit the highest at times that everyone expects. We can talk about Rodrigo but we know the quality that he brings to the team.
“We’re seeing a lot more energy in him, a lot more running, a lot more interaction and integration with the players in that front three. There’s a lot more creativity and time on the ball.
“That’s what you want with these star players. He can keep the ball at his feet. We’re trying to get the ball to him to keep him involved as much as possible in the 90 minutes.
“We’re now seeing the player we bought for quite a lot of money. He’s going to be really important come the last eight, nine games of this season, he really is.
“I think the man to get the best out of him is Jesse Marsch. It’s been a bit of a mixed bag at times with Marcelo and bringing players back with injuries.
“He’s been prepared to play through an injury. That shows commitment to me, and that’s enough I need to know about people’s attitudes.”
Rodrigo has scored in Leeds’ last two games to help seal wins over Norwich City and Wolves.
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