NafisaLeeds United’s preparations for the new season have focused heavily on strengthening the playing squad, but important additions are also being made behind the scenes as Daniel Farke looks to give the club every possible advantage ahead of the Premier League campaign.
Modern football places huge emphasis on analysis, tactical preparation and performance data, making backroom appointments just as significant as new signings on the pitch. Leeds have continued investing in that area this summer, with the club quietly identifying highly-rated staff capable of enhancing the first-team environment.
The latest arrival comes with an impressive reputation after helping Cardiff City secure promotion and earning glowing praise from one of English football’s most highly regarded young coaches.
Leeds United have appointed Matthew Jenkins as a first-team performance analyst following his departure from Championship side Cardiff City.
Jenkins arrives at Elland Road after spending eight years with the Welsh club, where he progressed through a variety of analytical roles after initially joining as an Under-23 performance analyst in 2018.
His most recent position was Head First-Team Performance Analyst, a role he held during Cardiff’s successful promotion-winning campaign under head coach Brian Barry-Murphy.
The Bluebirds finished second in League One last season behind Michael Skubala’s Lincoln City to secure an immediate return to the Championship, with Jenkins playing an important role behind the scenes throughout the campaign.
Wales Online first reported that Jenkins had completed his move to Leeds, while his LinkedIn profile has since confirmed his new position as First Team Performance Analyst at Elland Road.
His arrival strengthens Daniel Farke’s backroom staff with someone who has built an excellent reputation for his analytical work and tactical preparation.
Jenkins also leaves Cardiff having earned remarkable praise from Barry-Murphy, who publicly highlighted the impact the analyst made after his own arrival at the club.
“When I first came to the club, I didn’t know the workings of the club,” Barry-Murphy said.
“So what I’ve been blessed with is Matt Jenks has been there for a long time. He’s Cardiff through and through and his level of work is of the highest quality.
“One of the biggest things I wanted to do with the squad, with the staff, was to secure the numbers of staff who are exceptional at the job, which he is, and to make him really valuable… I’ve been very blessed to have Matt Jenks in the building to work alongside him and really, he’s blowing me away.”
Those comments underline the esteem in which Jenkins is held and explain why Leeds have moved to bring him to West Yorkshire.
Performance analysts have become increasingly influential within elite football, providing detailed tactical analysis, opposition reports and post-match evaluations that help shape coaching decisions both on the training ground and during matches.
As Leeds prepare for the challenges of Premier League football, strengthening the analytical department represents another important step in ensuring Farke has the strongest possible support team around him.
While attention naturally falls on transfer signings, appointments such as Jenkins’ can have a significant long-term impact behind the scenes. His experience, combined with the glowing endorsement from Brian Barry-Murphy, suggests Leeds have recruited one of the Championship’s most highly regarded performance analysts.
With preparations for the new season continuing at full pace, Jenkins will now begin working alongside Daniel Farke’s coaching staff as Leeds look to build on last season’s success and establish themselves back in the Premier League.
Nafisa
