Leeds United’s Rodrigo is currently leading the Premier League’s goal scoring charts with three goals from the first two matches.
The Spain international netted six times in the league last season, with three of those goals being scored post March.
This coincided with Leeds sacking Marcelo Bielsa and replacing him with Jesse Marsch towards the end of February.
The forward has now revealed he has benefited from the methods employed by the American at the Elland Road.
“Well, the coach hardly had time when he arrived at the end of last season to install his idea. Now, yes. The team came from four years with the same coach [Marcelo Bielsa] and the change of concepts needed time,” he told AS.
“The two weeks in Australia in pre-season were important and also in the summer the results, like the one against Cagliari (6-2), were a boost.
“Obviously, the position influences. With Bielsa it was a man-to-man style of play, which meant that you had to defend from far behind. Also, I played as a midfielder.
“In any case, I tell you that it is a matter of the group, when the group does well, we all benefit and improve. Especially the people up front, who need trust. Jesse’s arrival has been a great help to me.”
The 31-year-old wants to extend his good start this campaign, so that it improves his chance of representing Spain at the Qatar World Cup.
“I suppose that a World Cup in December will be analysed differently than when they are at the end of the season. Obviously, fitness can be an important factor,” Rodrigo stressed.
“But the coach has his preferences. Luis Enrique knows very well what he wants, he has been in office for years and his idea is clear. Apart from the history of each one with him, it’s clear that the state of form is going to have a weight. We hope to continue as we have started.”
The ex-Valencia man also gave his take on Raphinha’s move from Leeds to Barcelona. He backed the Brazilian to be a success at the Camp Nou. AS immediately quizzed Rodrigo on whether he has considered leaving the English club and returning to La Liga.
Respodning to that, the Whites player said: “The truth is, no. I’m happy at Leeds, in the Premier League, in the city. There is an interesting project, last year we had difficulties, but it was due to different circumstances… I want to continue growing here.
“Yes, I feel totally adjusted [in the Premier League]. In the day-to-day life, I am happy with the experience in the city of Leeds.
“Professionally, the Premier League is a super competitive league and more, every season. I arrived three years ago and every time I notice that it is making important differences with respect to the other leagues.
“It was always physical, but the level of quality has risen a lot. The pace of the game is very high. Everyone who arrives finds it difficult to adapt to that and I feel that I already am.”
