BIELSA’S STAYING POWER

We keep on running because I treat players like humans not machines says Leeds coach

MARCELO BIELSA insists Leeds will stick with their high-energy style for the rest of the promotion campaign.

The Whites boss will not deviate from his formula, saying that treating his players like humans not machines will get them over the line in the tense Championship race.

Leeds visit Middlesbrough tonight having rediscovered their form, securing back-to-back home wins to open a five-point gap on third place.

Previously they had won only two games in 11, with doubts over how Leeds could maintain their hardpressing, all-action tactics for a whole season.

Explaining their recent upturn, Bielsa said: “I can tell you football is a discipline where maybe you have the same performance, but get different results.

“That makes football unpredictable and emotional. There is nothing that says clearly what’s going to happen. That is why football is so attractive.

“When you lead a group of players, it’s linked mainly with the human aspect. And nobody treats players as machines.”

Rivals claim his side run a rigid set

of patterns and Bielsa admits he never considered changing style during their dip. He added: “A lot of times someone could describe a team as a machine, describing players as robots, that a team works very well because collectively it’s welloiled.

“But also you need a player happy inside himself to show his skills. Football is a creative activity and it’s not regular because human beings are not regular in their behaviour.”

If Leeds get on a roll, it could take them back to the top flight after a 16-year absence.

The Argentinian added: “Usually managers pay more attention to how the teams play and supporters care more about results. When you have good results, it strengthens the confidence. We need to be promoted. A win means promotion. The final evaluation of this Leeds team depends on whether we are promoted or not.”

Key man Kalvin Phillips has been linked with an England call-up. Bielsa (above) said: “Phillips, England?

“It is something Leeds, the club, himself and his team-mates would be proud to see. If that happens, it is not easy to get.

“I worked as a national team manager in Argentina and Chile. I didn’t like other managers saying which players the national team should play! I don’t want to make this mistake.”