Leeds United chief Victor Orta has revealed what he most wants to achieve during his time in charge at the club.
Orta is the current Director of Football at Elland Road, having taken over the post three years after a turbulent time in the same role at Middlesbrough, which saw them promoted and relegated from the Premier League.
He currently finds himself playing a pivotal role in Leeds recruitment team, working closely with manager Marcelo Bielsa to add to the squad.
His remit goes far beyond that though, and he says, turning Leeds from a sleeping giant into a force once again is his chief priority.
“Leeds is a religion for everyone here, that’s what I fell in love with,” Estadio Deportivo report him saying.
“After leaving Middlesbrough, I had the option of returning to Spain, with good teams and great offers.
“But when the new owners and at that time Ivan Bravo, a member of the board of directors, told me if they wanted me to be sports director of Leeds the first thing that came to my mind was; What? A giant club?
“I had come here as a scout, and I was looking forward to this challenge, trying to wake up a sleeping giant was one of the things I most wanted from the Leeds United project.”
After several rocky years, Leeds currently find themselves on a more stable footing under Bielsa’s guidance.
The club has seen a remarkable turnaround since his arrival, going from Championship also rans to consistent promotion contenders.
This year they sit top of the table and among the favourites for promotion once again, something which has only helped to add to their growing popularity, something Orta is very proud of.
“(The boxer) Josh Warrington gave me the best compliment I have received in three years in Leeds.
“He told me that three years ago he was walking down the street and he only saw other teams’ shirts, Manchester’s, Liverpool’s, London’s etc.
“Now, since the new management has arrived, every kid, every person has their Leeds shirt, sweatshirt or scarf. It’s the best compliment I’ve ever had.”
Orta’s time at the club has not been without its controversies, with him often finding himself at the centre trying to put out fires.
The latest to engulf the club surrounds goalkeeper Kiko Casilla, who was recently banned for eight games after using racist language against a Charlton player.
The situation is an ugly one, but Orta says he is ‘proud’ of the way the goalkeeper has reacted to his punishment.
“He has had adversities, and he has known how to overcome them, he has known how to feel the colours of the club and to interpret what this team is,” he added.
“I also feel very proud because, with all the adversities he has suffered, he is still mentally very strong and helping a lot.
“Even with the current situation, he is helping Meslier (Illan), the young goalkeeper, after the sanction he received.”
