Inside Elland Road: Can Leeds Utd fans hold their nerve?
A Leeds United forward has opened up about his introduction to life during the early months of a season-long loan spell in La Liga.
Leeds United forward Mateo Joseph has insisted he has ‘hit the right note’ despite making a slow start to a season-long loan stint with Real Mallorca.
The Spain Under-21 international had been expected to form part of the Whites squad that was planning for their return to the Premier League this season - but reportedly made it clear he wished to return to his home country during the summer transfer window. Despite links with Real Betis, Joseph completed a deal to spend the entire campaign with Mallorca and made his debut in a 3-0 defeat against Barcelona in mid-August. A first assist came on his fourth La Liga appearance as his temporary employers fell to a 3-2 defeat against Espanyol and Joseph finally broke his duck in front of goal when he scored twice in a 3-1 win against Sevilla just under a month ago.
However, they remain the forward’s only two goals for Mallorca and he will hope to improve when they return to action with a visit to Villarreal on the other side of the international break. Despite his on-pitch struggles, Joseph has delivered a positive assessment of how he has settled into life at the San Moix.
He told Marca: “I’m feeling great. This year I’m trying to pay a little more attention to the details, like my diet and everything. I’m very happy because it seems I’ve finally hit the right note. Living here is really great. There are places to relax, beautiful spots and I’m delighted to be here. It’s November now and the sun is so strong I was training in a tank top just a few minutes ago. I’m also closer to Santander, which is where I’m from.”
Faith
Mateo Joseph has struggled for goals so far at loan club Mallorca.placeholder image
Mateo Joseph has struggled for goals so far at loan club Mallorca. | Getty Images
The Whites forward also gave an insight into why he opted to ignore interest from elsewhere to join Mallorca - but stopped short of committing to extending his time with the La Liga club beyond his current loan spell.
He said: “In the end, Mallorca did an exceptional job, both sports director and coach. They transmitted to me the trust they had in me and that convinced me from the first moment. They knew me very well and had a lot of faith in me and I want to return that trust. I'm very happy here. But well, you never know, I would tell you that it doesn't depend much on me right now either, but we'll see.”
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