MARCELO’S A GOOD SPORT
Aston Villa
Tonight, 8pm
MARCELO BIELSA insists he would again tell his players to allow their opponents to score if necessary because he rates sportsmanship as more important than winning.
Leeds face Aston Villa tonight for the first time since Bielsa ordered his men to let Dean Smith’s side walk the ball into the net to cancel out United’s controversial opener.
Villa were furious when with Jonathan Kodjia down injured Leeds’ Tyler Roberts shaped to knock the ball out of play before putting Mateusz Klich through to score.
But by gifting Villa an equaliser Bielsa calmed a volatile situation, even though the goal ended any lingering hopes Leeds may have had of automatic promotion to the Premier League.
Manager and club won FIFA’S Fair Play Award for the gesture during the game at Elland Road in May 2019, which ended 1- 1.
“We do what corresponds to the situation,” said Bielsa.
“The result is not important, it means you are only doing things for your benefit rather than because of what is right. We interpreted that the goal we scored was unfair so we did what was necessary to resolve the situation.
“We scored a goal where there was some confusion over the decision of the referee, so as a result we allowed them to score.
“I was very happy that FIFA recognised this gesture.
“I also consider that what we did was something that had to be done.
“It wasn’t my decision, it was the decision of the whole club and the whole group, which I am part of. This is the kind of conduct we wish to follow regardless of whether we win or lose.”
The Argentinian told how he was open to staying at Elland Road next season, despite only agreeing a 12- month contract in September.
Owner and chairman Andrea Radrizzani has voiced his concerns over his head coach’s long- term future at the club.
Bielsa likes short- term contracts, but says he really loves managing in the Premier League. He added: “I’m very comfortable living and managing in
England and my annual contract does not mean I’m not open to staying for longer.”