Leeds:we’re high-flyers, not Eye-spyers

BOSS BIELSA & STARS SAY UNITED ARE TOP BECAUSE OF THE WAY THEY ARE PLAYING... NOT BECAUSE OF SPYING

MARCELO BIELSA claims Spygate has become a distraction for his table-topping Leeds side.

The club did not want their boss to face any more questions yesterday ahead of tomorrow’s match at Stoke after his stunning admission that he has spied on all his Championship rivals.

Bielsa called an impromptu press conference on Wednesday evening, where he produced a 66-minute Powerpoint presentation to defend himself and insist he did not gain an unfair advantage.

The controversy of the last week since Derby spotted Bielsa’s spy at their training ground has overshadowed Leeds’ achievement in being four points clear in the title race. Bielsa is now keen to get back to matters

on the pitch. “What happened in the last few days was something complex and the focus was put on that and not the football,” said the Argentinian.

Skipper Liam Cooper mounted a robust defence of Bielsa, insisting they are top because they are the best team rather than through his spying.

“I’d say so,” said the defender. “The league speaks for itself, the league doesn’t lie. We’ve won the most games and I think we’ve lost the least. That speaks for itself.

“I’m sick of hearing all about that now. We’ve got a big game to worry about on Saturday when we can take one more step in the right direction.

“All this is put to bed for the players. It’s all over with. That’s why Marcelo did the press conference to put it all to bed and let’s talk about football now.”

Cooper claims Bielsa is the reason why a squad which finished mid-table last season is powering towards the Premier League.

“One hundred per cent, he is the difference,” he said. “It’s the same group being coached by one of the best in the world.

“He’s an unbelievable man and a very nice man. He’s very good for the boys.”

Bielsa argued his spies did not tell him anything he had not gleaned from his forensic analysis.

Cooper added: “It’s just one extra doubt removed for us when we go on to the pitch. We’re not going to come up against anything which will surprise us so you can free your mind.”

Bielsa claims landing Spanish goalkeeper Kiko Casilla from Real Madrid is a transfer coup for Leeds.

Casilla, 32, completed his free transfer and signed a four-and-a-half-year deal.

“The owner of the club should be proud of being able to attract this player,” said the Leeds boss.