‘Stuff happens’ – USMNT star Brenden Aaronson on what went wrong at Leeds & his ‘annoying’ start to life in Germany after Union Berlin loan transfer

Big things were expected of the highly-rated 22-year-old when he arrived at Elland Road. He boasted Champions League experience from a spell at Red Bull Salzburg and was an established senior star with his country. Aaronson was, however, to register just one goal for Leeds through 40 appearances as they suffered relegation out of the Premier League.

Quizzed by Pioneer Press on whether American players and coaches are judged differently in England, with added pressure put on them to perform, Aaronson said: “No, I wouldn’t say it was a different standard. I don’t know how coaching was, but as a player, it was good. I enjoyed my time. I learned a lot. It was definitely ups and downs. The first half of the year was really a high, and I think we played we’re playing really good football at the time. And then just the second part of the year, stuff happens. It was tough. A lot of things going on with the club, people that aren’t seeing things, so it’s tough. I learned a lot and it only made me grow as a player because a lot of players go through stuff like this and it only gets better from there.”

Aaronson was among those to trigger an exit clause when Leeds slipped into the Championship, with a loan move taking him to Union Berlin, and he is enjoying life in Germany despite being sent off on just his third appearance for new employers. He added: “Yeah, great. I’ve really, really enjoyed being in Union Berlin so far. Of course, I got the red card in the second week, which was pretty annoying to get that because I had been starting and playing games. So that was pretty annoying. But, I mean, that’s how football goes. You know, I’m not going to not get one. I’ll probably get more red cards. I don’t want to, but it probably will happen throughout my career. (But) it was a great start and the club has really taken me (into) the family. and I’m really happy to be here.”

Aaronson, who joined Leeds for £25 million ($31m), is currently away with the USMNT and will be hoping to get more international game time under his belt when Gregg Berhalter’s side face Oman on Tuesday.