Robin Koch was one of the players to join Leeds United last summer as the centre-back arrived at Elland Road from SC Freiburg.
The 24-year-old started in every league match for the Whites until he suffered a knee injury in his side’s 3-1 league defeat to Chelsea in November.
He has been out of action since then and is working on his recovery after undergoing surgery.
Freiburg based newspaper Badische Zeitung interviewed the player, and he detailed how the global pandemic had made his recovery more difficult.
When asked how you deal with injuries, Koch said: “It’s a bit unfortunate. In general, injuries are never easy for a footballer, even if they are part of the job. But I’m one who stays positive.”
“But that’s how it is for many people in the world at the moment. That’s why I don’t want to complain. At least I could go to training every day and work on my comeback.”
BZ further pressed the defender, asking about his life in England. He said: “Relatively boring. Rehabilitation and training every day, beyond that there is unfortunately not much to talk about.
“I drive to the club area every morning to train and have treatments there. Then I’ll go home again. It’s good that we get lunch from the club. I don’t have to cook like this.
“Then I am in contact with my friends a lot, make phone calls, we play online together on PlayStation. Of course, I also speak to my family. We’d love to see each other again. I often do a second training session at home. A lot actually revolves around my rehab.”
Despite currently not enjoying life in Leeds much due to his injury and the pandemic, the Germany international details what surprised him about the English city when he moved there.
“Fortunately, everything was still open here in the first few weeks. During this time, I also had friends visiting. Basically, I’m positively surprised by the city, including the food here, which is better than its reputation. I’m really looking forward to normal life here,” the defender added.
An interview of any Leeds player is generally incomplete without a question about Marcelo Bielsa. Koch wasn’t an exception as the German was asked to give his views on his manager.
“He has incredible expertise. That’s why so many other coaches rave about him. How he analyses the opponents, takes them apart. That fascinates his colleagues. It is no coincidence that even Pep Guardiola is impressed by Marcelo Bielsa,” Koch concluded.
