Jack Harrison in Leeds' Thorpe Arch training ground, where he feels right at home after his move to Leicester fell through at the last minute. Photo: Guzelian/Lorne Campbell. and Jack Harrison will never forget the events of Tuesday, January 31, 2023.
The Leeds United winger experienced his own emotional rollercoaster that day as he was in the middle of a proposed £22m move to Leicester City.
Two hours before the 11pm finish, Harrison began at Leicester's training ground after Leeds accepted an offer earlier in the day.
Brendan Rodgers, then Leicester's manager, was convinced the deal would go through, but around 9:15 p.m. Harrison, Remy Cherine, took a call from Leeds saying it was off and needed to get back on the motorway.
Leicester were stunned, with Rodgers calling it one of his biggest management frustrations. Subsequently, the Northern Irishman was sacked by Leicester City on Sunday following poor results.
Two months later, Harrison is sitting in an office at Thorpe Arch, Leeds' training base, reflecting on the experience. “It was strange to say the least. Everyone knows what happened, there was a lot of drama,” he says.
“As a player, that was the weakest spot I felt. It opened my eyes to what goes on behind the scenes of football. When I got the call [telling him that the deal was off], I had to accept it immediately. You have to accept the chaos and move forward.
“There is drama in other people's lives and they have to go to work the next day, it's the same for us football players. I've learned how important it is to be surrounded by really good people.»
Jack Harrison celebrates his goal in Leeds. 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest Credit: Getty Images/Richard Sellers
Harrison is now set to sign a new contract with Leeds and his commitment to the club is undeniable. While his head could easily have fallen, Harrison's affinity for Leeds has been ingrained since he first joined the team on loan in July 2018.
He has been a standout in three of his last four matches, scoring goals against Brighton. , Wolves and Nottingham Forest on Tuesday.
“Both the club and I know there is still work to be done at Leeds,” he says. “I quickly realized that this [deadline] was part of the job. There is no time to dwell on it, complain or get upset. It's about being in the moment and right now I'm in Leeds where I can make a difference.»
Harrison's laser focus is perhaps not surprising. He is currently reading the famous book The Mindful Athlete by psychologist George Mumford, which includes a memorable quote: «Respond from the center of the hurricane, don't react from the chaos of the storm.»
He also points to the support of Cherin and his girlfriend Fiorelle Árbenz at difficult times, and his story in Leeds is far from over. Having helped the club progress under Marcelo Bielsa, he has established himself as a key player at this level and on the last day of last season scored the decisive goal that kept Leeds in the Premier League.
«It was a journey in which there were many ups and downs. The first year we were knocked out of the play-offs [Derby] and that was my first real experience of English football.
“Then we were promoted, which was the complete opposite and an exciting experience. . I still look at pictures of us interacting with the fans in the stadium.”
Harrison's nails have just returned to normal length after a frantic attempt to save themselves last season. His Brentford goal was four minutes into stoppage time, causing wild scenes of celebration.
Leeds are in yet another relegation battle this season, but the latest results suggest the drama of last year's last day may not be there. “After the Brentford game, we felt like a weight had been lifted off our shoulders,” he says. “When we scored the second goal, I ran to the fans in the corner, thinking: “I can breathe again.”
“There was so much relief. Being in this position is just crazy for the players. You are always looking at other results. Toward the end of last season, players were viewing scores from other games on their phones before they logged into our game. It's not good at all.”
Ahead of Leeds' home game against Crystal Palace on Sunday, the club are 13th in the table, but just two points above the drop zone.
«Many of us are familiar with how intense the pressure can be towards the end of the season,» says Harrison. «People underestimate the pressure you're under as a player, even from your closest friends.»
Harrison's impressive performances were no doubt fueled by the arrival of head coach Javi Gracia, who was unexpectedly appointed in February. Perhaps it helps that Harrison speaks fluent Spanish: his girlfriend is from Costa Rica, and one of his closest friends in the locker room is Junior Firpo from the Dominican Republic.
Grazia's attention to detail is already well known in Leeds: During his interview, he gave a long presentation in which he laid out his philosophy and how players can play his style of play.
“When he talks to the players, his laser is often pointed at the player, who says: “You must be two centimeters to the left.” It's very specific, but we have to be so focused on the little details,” says Harrison. «He's demanding as a manager, but he wants us to be together, which is important from now until the end of the season.
«I know the fans want us to be interesting and fast, but it's not always Maybe. At the moment we need to get results and Xavi is the perfect manager for that.”
FIFA World Cup
While Harrison is focused on survival, he has another long-term goal ahead of him. He has already played for the England under-21s and is determined to move up to the senior side and play in the 2026 World Cup.
With part of the tournament taking place in the United States, Harrison is further motivated after seven years in North America, when he played varsity football before joining New York City Football Club.
«I really believe I can play there and if you look at my numbers in comparison for some of the other top players in the league, they are at their best,” he says. “I believe in my talent and what I can do. That will always be my goal.
“The World Cup is back in the US and I feel like it's almost written. It's not a given, so I need to do what needs to be done here.”
When Harrison leaves the room, one final question is inevitable: Will Leeds go to bed? “Absolutely, yes. Without a doubt.”
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