Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa observed Liam Kitching at close quarters this week.
Leeds United-owned Liam Kitching has admitted to Harrogate Advertiser that he was “really shocked” when Marcelo Bielsa personally watched him in action this week.
Bielsa and Leeds’ Director of Football Victor Orta were spotted at the CNG Stadium on Tuesday night as Kitching’s Harrogate claimed a 4-2 win over Barrow.
The 18-year-old defender impressed in the victory, and Kitching, on loan with the Conference Premier side until January, revealed that he had a big incentive to perform after being informed that the Whites’ head coach had made the journey to watch him.
“The gaffer pulled me just before the game and told me that he’d received an email from Leeds about Marcelo Bielsa coming to have a look at me. I felt a bit nervous when I found out, but I was also really excited.
“I was really shocked that he came. Leeds often send someone to see how I’m getting on at home games, but for the head coach to turn up himself is brilliant.
“I don’t think he’s ever seen anything of me before, but him wanting to have a look at me play is exciting and quite a compliment.”
The Leeds academy prospect is on loan with the non-league side until January 2 and time will tell whether he stays on until the end of the season or returns to Elland Road.
Even though Kitching – normally a centre-back – has been playing left-back on a regular basis, it seems unlikely that Bielsa will need to use him in senior games, if he does return to Leeds.
At 18, the youngster, who has had a previous loan stint with Harrogate last term, has a ways to go before he is ready for the rough and tumble of the Championship.
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