CRY JANUARY
Is Bielsa’s high-pressure game backfiring again as Leeds run out of steam and threatens to derail their brilliant start to the campaign
NEW year, same problem for Leeds.
old
Once more they have been hit by the January blues after sinking to a third straight defeat under Marcelo Bielsa.
So far 2021 has been one to forget for Leeds, who have not scored in successive defeats to Tottenham, Crawley (below) and Brighton, shipping seven goals. They lost five out of six 12 months ago, including three in a row, and three out of four a year before that.
Manager Bielsa admits he is concerned by this latest slump and this first half was the worst they have played in the Premier League this season.
“To have lost three games without scoring is not something that can happen without making me worry,” said Bielsa.
“Against Tottenham, even though we lost, it wasn’t a bad performance. But in the Cup and this one, we didn’t defend or attack well.
“We defended below our capabilities and attacked below our possibilities, and those factors generate worry.”
When Leeds have lost this season, they have been
defeated in firefights with emerge with any credit, better teams or when counterattacking admitted they must create sides have punished more. them on the break or from setpieces. “Brighton defended really But there was no well and made it difficult for swashbuckle against Brighton, us to play our usual game,” just buckle, as they folded. said the winger.
They managed just two “We struggled to create shots on target and Angel chances and fair play to them, Sanchez was untroubled in they played the game they the Seagulls goal. Defensively wanted to play. Our style is they remain usually suspect and attacking Neal Maupay’s and creating 17thminute as many chances as winner was possible but the 34th goal we struggled they have conceded in their 18 to do that. They did their matches back in the Premier homework and studied how League. we play. It’s something we
Leeds lacked creativity, zip have to look back on, review it and cannot solve their this week and be ready for the problems by splashing out next game.” because none of their The one positive for Leeds attacking midfielder targets is Bielsa pulled them out of are available in this transfer last January’s nosedive to window. canter to the Championship
Jack Harrison, just about title. Crucially, Leeds do not the only Leeds player to play again until Tuesday next
NOT A HAPPY NEW YEAR... week at Newcastle, giving Bielsa precious time on the training ground to rediscover the team’s mojo.
Elland Road’s potato patch of a pitch, which will finally be relaid for the first time in 26 years this summer, did not help.
But it was the same for Brighton and they overcame the conditions to score from a fine passing move to record their first league win since November 21.
Maupay’s simple finish was his seventh in the League and he is happy to carry the burden of being the Seagulls’ main forward.
“It was a nice move from the team and an easy finish for me but as a striker you enjoy scoring any type of goal,” said the Frenchman (above left).
“When we work together like this, we know we’re a match for anyone in this league.”