Brenden Aaronson opens up on his relationship with Daniel Farke and 'tough' Leeds United period

-Credit: (Image: Anna Gowthorpe/REX/Shutterstock)
-Credit: (Image: Anna Gowthorpe/REX/Shutterstock)


From villain to hero: Brenden Aaronson has started to turn the boos at Leeds United into cheers. The USA international had a big point to prove after returning to Elland Road in the summer.

Aaronson was one of many players to take advantage of an exit clause in his Elland Road contract following their relegation to the Championship in 2023. He spent last year on loan at German club Union Berlin. His long term future at United looked up in the air.

But manager Daniel Farke handed Aaronson a first team lifeline, turning to the 23-year-old to fill the big void left by Georginio Rutter in the No 10 position. Now United supporters are finally starting to see the best of Aaronson.

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"It is tough sometimes in moments, mentally and physically," Aaronson told Sky Sports ahead of Saturday's 1-0 loss to Burnley. "I have the drive; I know what I want to do this season. I knew I needed to come in and show my worth and show how good I can be. Coming in, I had to be confident and that is what I have tried to be. It is not easy but it has been made easier with the teammates and the coaching staff we have here."

The attacking midfielder has notched two goals in five Championship outings. He has started their last three matches, getting on the scoresheet in the 2-0 triumph at Sheffield Wednesday.

On working with Farke, Aaronson told Sky Sports: "I'm getting to know him. He has got an amazing football mind. He has taught me a lot already about my positioning and where I am playing at the moment underneath the striker. I've learned a lot already and I've really liked working with him."

United suffered more play-off heartache last year, losing 1-0 to Southampton in the showpiece Wembley final. It was a tough one for the Whites to take, having missed out on automatic promotion despite racking up 90 points.

"We want to get back up to the Premier League because that's where I think this club deserves to be but I know how tough the Championship is," said Aaronson. "I've heard from friends that it's not an easy league. The goal is to get points and win games so we have to work well as a team."