The second international break of the season offers a clearer picture of where teams stand — and how well, or how poorly, their summer signings have performed so far.
Leeds United recruited Jaka Bijol from Udinese in the summer for a reported fee of £15 million, marking him as United’s first major signing of the window following Lukas Nmecha’s free transfer.
However, two months into the campaign, Bijol is yet to feature in the Premier League. His only appearance in the white shirt came against Sheffield Wednesday in the EFL Cup second round — a night that ended in bitter disappointment.
The centre-back has in fact played more minutes for Slovenia this season than for his club, and that gap is likely to widen this Friday when Slovenia face Kosovo in a crucial World Cup Qualifier. Bijol remains a mainstay for his national side and is expected to start once again.
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Frustration Over Lack Of Minutes
Speaking to Ekipa24 in his homeland, Bijol expressed frustration at his lack of minutes under manager Daniel Farke so far:
“Of course, I’m not satisfied with the current situation. There are always ups and downs. Sometimes things don’t go your way. You just have to push through them as a footballer. I’m confident my opportunity at Leeds will come – hopefully soon. That’s why I’m even more eager for competitive matches. I’m sure these two international games will do me a lot of good. I’ll give my all, as always.”
Slovenia take on Kosovo and Switzerland, having failed to win a game in their Qualifying group so far. Bijol will be looking to impress for his own reasons before he returns for club duties in mid-October.
He said: “I understand the situation [at Leeds]. It’s not like I don’t know why things are the way they are. We started the season well, and there was no need to change the team. The season is long. Now results have dipped a bit, so I hope my chance comes soon. But yes, I understood why it was that way and why I haven’t played as much as I’d hoped.”
Bijol ‘Not Surprised’ At Situation
Despite many new signings, Farke has been settled with trying to pick the same side for Premier League outings as often as he can – barring injuries. United have collected 8 points from seven games, having faced tough opponents so far. Bijol is confident of his ability to break into the team, but his self awareness reflects well on him in his fight for minutes at Elland Road.
“For central defenders and goalkeepers, things are a bit different than for outfield players – we don’t usually come on for just a few minutes to get a feel for the game. You either play 90 minutes or not at all. Still, I’m ready for the opportunity when it comes, sooner or later, and I’m confident I’ll take it.”
“I want to play in the Premier League – if not much this year, then next year. In any case, we need to collect points, so I’m pleased we’ve started the season as well as we have. There’s healthy competition at the club, something I haven’t experienced for a few years. I was used to playing every match, all 90 minutes. But maybe this is what I needed – to get out of my comfort zone, because this is the highest level of football. I’m here now, and I’m not surprised the situation is like this. Of course, I’m not happy about it, but it is what it is – we move on.”
Image via Leeds United
Praise For His Manchester United Counterpart
Bijol also shared his thoughts on fellow Slovenian Benjamin Šeško, who joined Leeds’ fierce rivals Manchester United in the summer and has recently found form.
“We keep in touch. I’m really happy things have clicked for him because people in England can be pretty ruthless. I’m very glad the pressure has eased off his shoulders a bit. I hope it continues, and that he scores the goals we need in the national team too.”
The first Premier League meeting between Leeds and Manchester United comes on 3 January at Old Trafford – a fixture Bijol hopes to be part of:
“I hope and I’m confident that by then I’ll have my chance. We’re playing at Old Trafford – though I’d prefer it to be at Elland Road, where it’s tough for any opponent. But it will definitely be a special match.”
Leeds United return to action after the international break against Burnley on Saturday 18 October.
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