Leeds United academy coach Michał Pujdak has told Przegląd Sportowy how his move to the Premier League side took shape a few months before they were promoted to the top flight in 2020.
The Pole wasn’t able to make it to the top as a professional player and had several jobs before deciding to take up coaching. He initially started at Hull City, where he worked with the U12-U16s.
It was Pujdak’s work at lower division side Grimsby Town that convinced Leeds to make an approach for him in 2020.
“After some time, I received an offer from Grimsby Town, playing in the fourth division. This is the club that gave me the opportunity to make a developmental leap. I was not only a trainer there, but also coordinated the entire training plan. And my work was appreciated,” he said.
“We used to come to Leeds for friendlies with our youth teams and we were able to establish competition. We had players with good individual quality and that always catches the eye. That’s how the proposal for me to join Leeds came about. This happened a few months before the team was promoted to the Premier League.”
The 34-year-old was quick to impress at Leeds, which resulted in him being tasked with more responsibilities by the Whites.
“At the beginning, I was the coordinator of youth groups U12 to U16. It was a great adventure, but it lasted shorter than I thought, because the club quite quickly offered me to join the U23 team,” Pujdak explained.
The 34-year-old has worked with Marcelo Bielsa, Jesse Marsch and Javi Gracia. He’s now given an insight into why Leeds’ model is unique.
“The Leeds operating model is incredible and when I talk to coaches from other clubs, they wonder how it is possible. It’s hard for people to understand because in other clubs the youth teams sometimes train in a different centre,” he stressed.
“And it’s different with us: we practice at the same time as seniors, on the pitch next door. The players from our squad are always available to the manager of the first team and when there is an opportunity and need, they move to their pitch.”
Bielsa was in charge of Leeds United when Pujdak arrived at the club. The current Whites U21 assistant coach shared his views on working with the Argentine and what he learned from him.
“From Marcelo, I got a huge dose of knowledge. It was a magical time for me, as well as for everyone associated with the club. I liken it to a rollercoaster ride: you go up and down and you don’t want to get off,” Pujdak said.
“What do I remember most about those lessons? That footballers are also people, so it’s important how you treat them. The player must feel that the coach can help, forgive, inspire, support and guide them in everyday life. And above all, I have to be able to develop them in terms of football, because each of them wants to be a better player today than he was yesterday.”
On his future plans, he explained: “Where do I see myself in 10 years? For now, all I know is that tomorrow I’ll be back at Leeds United’s training ground. I’ve worked with three Premier League managers [Bielsa, Marsch, Gracia], which is a huge baggage of experience.
“I am planning to do a UEFA Pro coaching course. The club recommended me to jump into a course organised by the Premier League, which gives you the opportunity to develop your skills.”
