Jaka Bijol Leeds United struggles have not gone unnoticed back home in Slovenia. The 26-year-old centre-back, who was brought in during the summer as a key defensive reinforcement, has found game time limited under Daniel Farke at Elland Road.
Bijol’s slow start has been shaped by circumstances. Suspended on the opening weekend due to a carryover red card from his Udinese days, he missed a crucial chance to establish himself early. Farke then opted for a central defensive partnership that has since been hard to dislodge, leaving Bijol sidelined.
Slovenia boss Kek backs his defender
Slovenia head coach Matjaž Kek spoke candidly during his latest press conference, recognising the tough position Bijol finds himself in.
“This is also about the red card from Italy, which was why he was not in the coach’s first plans,” Kek explained. “The team is starting to play well, they are not conceding goals, why would he change? Add to that an unfortunate match in the cup and things have come together like this.”
Kek underlined that Bijol has to adapt to the Premier League’s demands: “To get through here, you have to be both mentally and physically at the highest level. Jaka told me well three weeks ago: ‘The Premier League, this is something special, something different.’ He has to get used to it, adapt and at a certain point have a little luck too.”
“Bijol, Stojanović and Šeško have more problems in their environments. But now they play for the national team. I expect that these everyday problems will go away here. The national team is also an opportunity to prove someone wrong.” — Matjaž Kek, Slovenia manager
Leeds dilemma versus Slovenia reliance
For Farke, there is little incentive to alter a settled backline while results remain solid. But for Slovenia, the situation is more pressing. Local outlet Dnevnik even described Bijol’s lack of minutes as the “most problematic” issue facing Kek ahead of fixtures, given he is considered the defensive pillar of the national side.
That contrast is striking: a player struggling for club minutes, yet essential for country. It places even greater weight on international breaks for Bijol, both to maintain rhythm and to prove his quality at the highest level.
Analyst verdict
FootballPlace analyst John William commented: “This is a classic case of club versus country perspective. For Leeds, Bijol is a rotation option waiting for an opportunity. For Slovenia, he is indispensable. Kek’s message is clear — use the national team platform to remind everyone of his value.”
He added: “At 26, Bijol still has time to adapt to the Premier League. But he will need to seize his chance quickly when it comes. Defenders live on rhythm and confidence, and right now his are being built more in international football than at Elland Road.”
Key insights
- Jaka Bijol has struggled for minutes at Leeds since a red-card suspension disrupted his start.
- Daniel Farke has stuck with a settled backline that has been performing well.
- Slovenia boss Matjaž Kek says the defender faces “problems” but can prove himself with the national team.
- Dnevnik call Bijol’s situation the “most problematic” issue for Slovenia right now.
- At 26, Bijol remains seen as the cornerstone of his country’s defence.
What’s next for Bijol?
Bijol will hope to use Slovenia’s upcoming fixtures to showcase his ability and remind Leeds of his qualities. A strong international break could strengthen his case for more minutes in the Premier League.
For now, patience remains essential. But with Farke’s side entering a busy winter schedule, opportunities are likely to come. The question is whether Bijol can grasp them quickly enough to prove both his club manager and his critics wrong.
👉 Will Jaka Bijol turn his Slovenia form into a breakthrough at Leeds United?
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