BIELSA’S BOTTLE CRY
Leeds boss insists he sees no nerves in his players as they suffer a blip in promotion bid
MARCELO BIELSA insists his Leeds players will not bottle their promotion fight.
Leeds’ bid to reach the Premier League was called into question after they suffered a second defeat in three games at Birmingham as Sheffield United overtook them in the race for the second automatic promotion spot.
Yet Bielsa claims he has not seen any signs of anxiety among his players as the Championship campaign enters the final straight.
“I never watch the team become overcome by nerves,” said the defiant Leeds boss. “This team know how to live in difficult moments. They cope well with difficult moments.
“The mind aspect is as important as the physical aspect. A strong mind is needed for a strong physical effort. A strong mind means you can use your physical ability.”
Leeds can regain second place by beating Preston at Deepdale tonight with the Blades not due to face Birmingham until 24 hours later.
Bielsa insists they are still focused on securing the target they have fought for all season of winning promotion back to the Premier League for the first time since 2004.
“Our desire to be first or second is a very high motivation because it’s the aim and objective of one year of work,” said the Argentinian, who said Kemar Roofe (below) will replace Pablo Hernandez if the Spaniard is unfit to face Preston.
“In the last part of the season, we want to arrive at this situation and our motivation is higher.”
Bielsa suffered his first loss with Leeds to Preston in the EFL Cup in August and knows Alex Neil’s side will be difficult.
But he says Leeds cannot afford any more slip-ups and that all six of their remaining games are must-win.
“In all of the games that we are going to play from now until the end of the season we have to win every game,” said the former Argentina and Chile boss.