Reliable journalist Dean Jones has revealed that a group of Leeds players approached Marcelo Bielsa over the possibility of adapting his style of play. Â
The Lowdown: Bielsa gone
Leeds fell to another heavy defeat on Saturday, shipping four goals against Antonio Conte’s Tottenham at Elland Road.
Correct to part ways with Bielsa?
Yes, 100%
No, terrible decision!
Reports following the loss suggested that the Argentine was on the brink of leaving the club, with talkSPORT suggesting on Saturday evening that Bielsa had indeed left Leeds United by mutual consent.
Leeds officially confirmed the news on Sunday morning, with Fabrizio Romano revealing that Jesse Marsch is one step away from being named as Bielsa’s replacement.
The Latest: Jones’ comments
Speaking to The Transfer Tavern, Jones revealed that Bielsa rebuffed an approach from a ‘group’ of Leeds players in regards to a change of style. He said:
“Bielsa was a bit too stubborn for his own good – I was told a group of players approached him about adapting the style of play but he wouldn’t listen to them. Moments like that go against you if results are bad.”
The Verdict: Interesting…
The Whites have made a huge gamble by sacking Bielsa with just 12 league games to go this season. Although the team was going through a woeful run of form, they have been without three key players in Patrick Bamford, Liam Cooper and Kalvin Phillips since December.
What is interesting is that a group of players apparently wanted him to make a tweak to his system, something to which Bielsa understandably wasn’t willing to agree.
Leeds always struggled in January and February during Bielsa’s time in charge, so if Marsch (or whoever is appointed) doesn’t lead the club to survival after the exit of the much-loved Argentine, you’d expect that the Whites board will have plenty of questions to answer in the summer.
In other news: ‘I’m told’ – Phil Hay drops hint of possible return date for injured Leeds duo
About the Author
