Forget Bielsa or Raphinha: Victor Orta reveals pride in somewhat surprising Leeds United feat | OneFootball

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Victor Orta has revealed the proudest moment from his time working with Leeds United.

The Spaniard was the Yorkshire outfit’s Director of Football from 2017 to 2023, which included helping the club gain promotion back to the Premier League.

The 44-year-old was with Leeds during their three-year spell in the top flight before departing earlier this year after a series of disappointing high profile decisions, including the hiring of Javi Gracia.

Leeds suffered relegation shortly after his departure, with Daniel Farke now at the helm of the first team squad, and Gretar Steinsson working as the new Technical Director.

Orta has moved on to a new role in football, becoming the Sporting Director at Spanish giants Sevilla last summer.

What was Victor Orta’s proudest moment with Leeds United?

Orta has reflected on his time at Elland Road, highlighting the moment he is most proud of from his time with the club.

Surprisingly, it is not promotion, or the hiring of Marcelo Bielsa, but the culture that he helped create at Leeds during his six years there.

“I don’t want to make any noise that can damage Leeds,” said Orta, via iNews.

“The thing I feel proud about is not bringing in Bielsa or buying Raphinha but the culture I created where, from Maria Dowson in the ticket office to the scorer of the goals, Patrick Bamford, all the people could contribute to the success and were committed to the success of Leeds United.

“In the office in Elland Road we had a carpet and the person who kicked the football closest to the middle won a voucher to go to a restaurant in Leeds.

“It was only 30 minutes, but you had all the people from the different departments interacting – marketing, scouting, club secretary, director, media people.”

Leeds are now looking to compete for promotion straight back to the Premier League at the first attempt.

The Whites are currently third in the Championship table after 12 games, sitting six points adrift of the automatic promotion places.

Ipswich Town do have a game in hand to go with their six point lead, but Leeds’ recent form will bring optimism that the gap can be closed over the coming months.

Farke’s previous experience has seen him win the second division title twice during his time at Norwich City, so he will be hoping to deliver similar success to Leeds.

The German’s side take on Stoke City on Wednesday night as they look to close the gap to Ipswich in second.

Have Leeds United moved on from Victor Orta?

Orta’s time at Leeds can be considered a success, even if things didn’t end well for the Spaniard.

But Leeds have now moved on from his departure and look capable of challenging for promotion straight back to the Premier League.

Recruitment was a big focus of Orta’s job description, but the club managed to move effectively in the transfer market following his departure despite a lack of proper preparation.