The Leeds United keeper is enjoying working under his new gaffer.
Leeds United goalkeeper Andy Lonergan has been explaining what Paul Heckingbottom has changed at the club, since taking over from Thomas Christiansen.
Leeds sacked the Spaniard after eight months in charge earlier this month, after a poor run of form saw Leeds slip back in the hunt for promotion.
Heckingbottom was swiftly plucked from Yorkshire rivals Barnsley and has so far managed the team once, in a 2-1 loss against Sheffield United.
Despite the result not going Leeds’ way Lonergan explained on BBC Radio Leeds yesterday that he felt the team improved under Heckingbottom, before explaining what it is the new boss has changed:
“I guess he has. With Thomas we played quite a heavy possession based game. Now, the first thing the manager said to me which stood out was hard work. It should be a given, everyone goes out on the pitch and not work hard.
“But there’s levels to it and intensity that he wants. I think if we can achieve that we won’t be far off.”
Christiansen’s style certainly seemed to be based on ball retention and what Lonergan is suggesting is that the new Leeds boss is more inclined to be happy if the players are working hard to win the ball.
Pressing for possession could become key for Leeds under their new manager and that could make for slightly more entertaining football for Leeds fans, rather than the somewhat stilted play that was sometimes exhibited when Christiansen was in charge.
At this moment Leeds will not care how they play, as long as they can pick up some form again, starting with tomorrow’s clash against Bristol City.
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