Doncaster Rovers star Robbie Gotts on working under Marcelo Bielsa and key influences at Leeds United

Doncaster Rovers midfielder Robbie Gotts has spoken fondly about his memories of playing for Leeds United and working under one of the greats of football management in Marcelo Bielsa.

The Harrogate-born midfielder started his footballing journey at Leeds, impressing in the academy while working under Carlos Corberan before gradually progressing into the first team setup under Bielsa during an iconic era for the football club - an experience which has stood him in good stead for his move to Doncaster later down the road.

Gotts was originally a right-back when he stepped into the Leeds team, but over time was converted into a central midfielder, something which suits the 26-year-old down to the ground due to his incredible engine, tenacity and determination to cover every blade of grass.

“Yeah, it was crazy,” Gotts told the Free Press.

“I get that question a lot about Bielsa. I was young at the time coming through and, you know, to be learning in that environment, it was just very intense and it improved me massively.”

Bielsa famously put his players through their paces with gruelling training sessions that included 'murderball' - where players compete in a match where the ball is continually put back into play with no stoppages.

“You can't really explain them,” Gotts added.

“But doing them is ridiculous. I've seen people throwing up after doing that.”

Gotts made two appearances in total for Leeds United but was quite often named in the matchday squad as a substitute. He spoke fondly of the senior figures that helped him including Liam Cooper, Kalvin Phillips and Stuart Dallas among others.

“I was absolutely flying, you know, the fittest I've ever been. And, like, even senior pros were saying to me, like, you're so lucky you've got this at the start of your career. And then probably going down the leagues, I probably drifted away from that a little, the lifestyle.

“But then I’ve found myself getting back to that here. How you live your life, being obsessed with it. So I'd definitely say it's helped massively.”

Gotts has racked up 55 appearances since joining Rovers and has featured in every league match this season, with Grant McCann labelling him one of the best number sixs in the league.

“I think it's obviously the best compliment you can get, especially from your own manager.

“At the end of the day, that's the person that you're trying to impress day in, day out. I feel like that should be your job. Working hard training pitch, week in, week out and then obviously getting the reward of getting picked to play.”