Leeds United and Burnley were the two clubs battling it out to avoid relegation on the final day of the 2021/22 season.
Jesse Marsch’s side were scheduled to face Brentford, while Clarets hosted Newcastle United at home.
Burnley lost to the Magpies and Leeds United sealed a 2-1 win over Brentford on Sunday, with these two results meaning the latter will continue in the Premier League next season.
Sport Bild interviewed Robin Koch and he gave an insight into how he and his teammates were successful in avoiding the drop to the second division.
“After the final whistle we were all overjoyed, I think you could see that. There were a lot of emotions there. The mood was great all evening,” he said.
“We were all aware of how much it means for the club, the city and the fans to stay in the Premier League.”
“We knew that every game, so we really threw everything into the balance until the last minute. You’ve seen every training session over the past few days and weeks, with how much passion everyone put into it.”
“Our season wasn’t easy. But what distinguished us was our cohesion, the spirit within the team. We gritted our teeth a lot, never lost faith in ourselves and always supported each other.”
Back in February, Leeds United sacked Marcelo Bielsa and replaced him with Marsh. The latter was confident of guiding the club to staying in the topflight.
“The coach really lived the belief in staying up and has motivated us extremely in the last few weeks. He was convinced of the character and quality of the team right from the start,” Koch added.
The defender’s contract at Elland Road runs down in 2024 and has no plans to make a move away from the club this summer.
“I feel super comfortable in the city and at the club and have a contract here. When I joined Leeds we had a project in mind, a journey that is not over for us as a team,” the 25-year-old explained.
Meanwhile, the Germany international has also set a goal for him with Leeds United next season.
“If you have to fight until the last minute, it’s even nicer when you achieved the goal. Staying in the league is hugely important for all of us, but we know there’s a lot more to this team. We want to prove that next season and be in other regions of the table again,” Koch stressed.
“My personal goal is also to be a strong team in the Premier League with Leeds and to have a more successful season overall with my teammates.”
