Jesse Marsch has told Thursday’s press conference – as per Leeds’ YouTube – that Robin Koch is performing “very well” in training but is not yet being rewarded with the game time the Germany international deserves.
Koch, 25, has only started two of Marsch’s five games so far. He was in the starting XI against Leicester and Aston Villa, before being dropped for wins over Wolves and Norwich. He was an unused sub against Southampton.
The return of Liam Cooper is likely to have limited Koch’s game time, while Diego Llorente and Pascal Struijk continue to be preferred – especially with Struijk able to play in midfield. Some rumours say Koch could eye an exit.
In what is a World Cup year, the Germany star might be tempted to leave the club in order to join a side where he is playing regularly and book his place in Germany’s squad. Marsch said Koch deserves more game time.
“Koch has performed very well in training but he hasn’t been rewarded with decisions on the matchday. But I’m very much aware that if we need him on game day, that his performance [in training] mean something.”
Meslier on Koch: Would German be better off leaving Leeds in summer?
From a club point of view, Leeds will be keen to keep Koch. The German has been injury prone and the club would not get the £13million (GOAL) fee they spent to sign him. They are yet to see the best of him.
Twin that with Cooper and Llorente’s injury record and having that cover in Koch – as well as Struijk – is key. But with Qatar 2022 approaching, Koch would be right to consider a move if it is forthcoming this summer.
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