Eddie Nketiah on working with Marcelo Bielsa and why he’s not setting goals | OneFootball

Eddie Nketiah says he has a lot to learn from Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa, and he wants to take things step by step with his loan club.

Nketiah scored on his debut for Leeds earlier this week, netting against Salford City to put his team into the next round of the League Cup.

The match was a bit of a throwback to the striker’s Arsenal debut in the same competition, where he came on to score twice against Norwich City and send the team into the next round.

Just like on that occasion though, Nketiah is aware he’ll have to be patient this season. He knows the best way to settle with his new club is by doing anything he can to help them, rather than focusing on personal achievements.

“I don’t really like to set goals, I like to take things step by step,” Nketiah said. “Obviously I want to help the team reach their goals; I think that’s the most important to try and fit in.

“[I’d like] to obviously develop as a player, to push myself to the limit, and see how well I can do that. Personally, along the way, I’ll set little goals but I’d like to take each game as it comes.”

Even if he’s not scoring 20+ goals or starting every week this season, Nketiah should still see the benefits of working under a widely-respected coach like Marcelo Bielsa. The 20-year-old says he’s already settling in with his new coaches and teammates.

“Yeah, it’s been good. There’s a lot of tactics to learn, a lot of things to learn from the manager. The other players have helped me, they’ve really taken to me. It’s like a little family here. All the players are nice, the fans are great and it’s helped my transition.”

Bielsa has suggested Nketiah won’t be in the starting lineup against Wigan on Saturday, telling the media he’s planning to start the same team that drew with Nottingham Forest last weekend.

Presumably, the striker will be available from the bench, so it’s up to him to make the best of whatever minutes he gets.