Laurens De Bock made a handful of appearances for Leeds United since moving to Elland Road from Club Brugge in January 2018.
The Whites have allowed the left-back to go out on loan since the summer of 2018 as he has had spells at KV Oostende, Sunderland, ADO Den Haag and Zulte Waregem.
The 29-year-old joined Zulte Waregem in 2020 and last summer, his loan stay with them was extended until the end of this season. The Leeds owned player has made 27 appearances in all competitions this term and has also captained the Jupiler Pro League side.
Having finished 10th in the last campaign, they have not managed to replicate that form this season. Zulte Waregem are 15th in the table after 31 matches and are just two spots above the danger zone.
Het Nieuwsblad interviewed the Belgian to do a review on Zulte Waregem’s season. De Bock says he and his teammates will be relieved to confirm their stay in the top flight.
“I don’t think you can really compare the two situations. Last season, we never really looked down. This year it is and that is a completely different fact,” the Leeds owned player said.
“The pressure that unconsciously rests on a group of players is simply enormous and changes things completely. Okay, we did indeed put down that impressive series last year, but that could also have happened this year.
“For example, just before the winter break we get 6 out of 6, but then our flow was broken by the winter break, after which we were unable to continue the good period.
“No [happy to avoid relegation]. We cannot be satisfied with such a season. Above all, we will be relieved.”
De Bock’s contract with Leeds United will finally expire in June. He was asked whether he will be at the Belgian club next season… and not as a loan player.
“Gosh. That remains to be seen. The most important thing is to first end this season in a good way and then we will see,” he said.
“But it is a fact that after a turbulent period over the past two years, I have again found some steadfastness here. And sometimes you have to cherish what you have. First and foremost, I want to focus on the end of this season.”
