Leeds United goalkeeper Joel Robles has expressed his delight at Sam Allardyce’s decision to bring him in for Illan Meslier for the clash against Manchester City.
The Spanish goalkeeper has been speaking to Marca ahead of City’s clash with Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-finals this week.
He has recent first-hand experience on what it is like to take on Pep Guardiola’s side, having been handed a starting role by Allardyce for Leeds’ clash with Manchester City at the Etihad on Saturday.
Robles has spent this season playing the number two role behind Meslier, with neither Javi Gracia or Jesse Marsch electing to use him this season despite Meslier having struggled and committed several high profile mistakes, particularly in recent weeks.
Allardyce immediately made the decision to change his number one, with Robles coming in and putting in a solid display against the Premier League leaders despite the 2-0 scoreline.
Being thrown into such a game for his first Premier League appearance of the season could be likened to being thrown into the lion’s den, but Robles was instead pleased with the faith shown in him by Leeds’ new manager.
“A lot of different situations this weekend. The main one is good,” he said.
“Because I think we are in a situation where we need the three points as soon as possible and well.
“I don’t know if I’m happy or not happy, but, well, to come back to play minutes with a coach who trusts you in such a complicated situation as we are living. 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?”
