Jaka Bijol is currently away with Slovenia and hoping for some minutes with his country. He’s had none in the Premier League for Leeds United so far, with Daniel Farke sticking to his pairing.
The defender has been asked about his situation, and whilst he’s clearly frustrated he also completely understands Farke’s thinking. There’s certainly no sign of the 26-year-old going to war with the manager.
Bijol’s situation has been big news in Slovenia over the past week or so, as has that of Benjamin Šeško. The pressure placed on the 22-year-old at Manchester United, and by the wider media, has been worrying some in Slovenia.
Last week the country’s national manager made it clear it’s the condition of being at a club the size of Manchester United and you simply sink or swim.
Šeško has two goals from his last two games and that’s brought some relief in Slovenia. Bijol has explained he’s pleased for his compatriot but then went to great lengths to put it all in context.
The Leeds United defender appears to be worried about sounding too positive towards Manchester United. He doesn’t want to upset supporters of the Yorkshire club, so tried to make himself clear.
“People in England are ruthless”
Jaka Bijol
Ekipa quote him as saying: “I’m very happy that he found his way. Because the people in England are quite ruthless. And I’m very happy for him that this pressure has at least fallen off his shoulders a little. I hope it continues like this and that he will already be scoring the goals we need for our current aims in the national team shirt.
“It’s true that there is a rivalry between us, so I hope that these words will not be translated too much or understood in the wrong sense. I’m happy for Benjamin, I can’t be for Manchester United. (laughs) But the derby will come soon and I will be able to say more then.
That match is in January, at Old Trafford:“I hope and I am sure that I will get the opportunity by then. And we play at Old Trafford, I would prefer it to be at Elland Road, which is very difficult for every opponent. But this match will definitely be something special.”
So Leeds United fans, Jaka Bijol wants to make it clear: Happy for Benjamin Šeško, not happy for Manchester United.