After 'ups and downs', Robin Koch relishes fresh start at Leeds United

defender is determined to put two seasons of ‘ups and downs’ behind him with a fresh start next season.

Koch has faced two long-term injuries during his opening two campaigns in England and also suffered from a bout of Covid in March. His career at Elland Road has been very stop-start but the Germany international is optimistic that next season will hold more promise for him.

“I’ve had some ups and downs during my first two seasons with my two injuries,” Koch told “I feel really good, comfortable and fit as well. I’m really looking forward to the new season.”

The 26-year-old has been impressive during pre-season so far and was the only outfield player to complete 90 minutes in Leeds’ 1-0 defeat against Aston Villa on Sunday. He has also been pleasantly surprised by the Whites’ large following Down Under and believes the tour has helped improve team spirit, which he describes as one of their biggest strengths.

“The people here are really nice and have welcomed us as a team,” Koch said. “I didn’t think we had so many fans on the other side of the world which is amazing to know.

“It’s amazing to get the opportunity to come so far away and still have our supporters around us. There are people from Australia but I’ve even met some German people who are living here now and are supporting Leeds.”

He was also very impressed by the performance of one of Leeds’ summer recruits during his initiation song.

“Tyler was really good, I would pick him for the best performance,” Koch revealed. “It’s good, especially for the new players to come on a trip like this. We’re building something as a team, both on and off the pitch.

He concluded: “It’s one of our biggest strengths to be together as a team. Over the two years I’ve been here