Leeds coach says staff are ‘working really hard’ with rarely-seen talent, but he’s pleased

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Mark Jackson has told the Yorkshire Evening Post that coaches are working ‘really hard’ to help Kristoffer Klaesson adapt to life at Leeds United following his transfer from Valerenga.

The Whites brought Klaesson to Elland Road on a four-year deal in the off-season to offer Marcelo Bielsa depth. Kiko Casilla deputised for Illan Meslier in goal last term, but left the club to join Elche on loan and has since hinted that he may never return to West Yorkshire.

Bielsa has so far kept Klaesson at an arm’s length from featuring for the Leeds first-team since his arrival. The reported £1.7m signing is still waiting to make his senior debut after 10 games as an unused substitute.

Jackson has so far given Klaesson is sole minutes in a Leeds shirt for the Whites’ Under-23s. He has turned out in each of their eight PL2 fixtures to date this term. The 20-year-old also opened last month’s EFL Trophy win at League Two Oldham Athletic at Boundary Park.

Jackson pleased with Klaesson progress at Leeds

Klaesson has endured a troubled start to his Leeds career, with Jackson’s U23s suffering a leaky defensive record so far. The Norway U21 international has conceded 18 goals in eight PL2 games and has also only kept one clean sheet.

But Klaesson has pleased Jackson with what progress the shot-stopper has shown as he adapts to new surroundings at Leeds. He also showed promise in his last PL2 appearance against Everton, with Klaesson assisting Amari Miller’s 29th-minute opener in a 4-2 defeat.

Leeds U23s boss Jackson said: “Like any new player there’s a settling in period for them. There’s an adaptation to the way we play, particularly for a goalkeeper coming into what could be new training methods. As with outfield players, it’s a new way of playing and it’s the same with goalkeepers.

“He’s a player who the staff are working really hard with to help him adapt as quickly as possible. There was a great double save from him [against Everton] and the ball forward for Amari’s goal was a pass forward [with purpose].

“He saw it and we’re pleased for him in that respect, but he won’t be happy conceding four goals and we’re not as a team. In regards to him settling in, he is slowly getting used to it and he’s coming along nicely.”