Marcelo sticks to principled attack

LEEDS boss Marcelo Bielsa has vowed not to turn his back on the beautiful game.

The Yorkshire club’s promising start to the season has been derailed by three defeats in four games – including successive 4-1 pummelings at the hands of Leicester and Crystal Palace.

But Bielsa insists he will not change his attacking philosophy ahead of today’s clash with Arsenal at Elland Road – and that he is committed to a high-risk, high-reward style. Bielsa said:

“Someone said that the players should not forgive me for the way I made them play in the last two games.

“But we need to continue to attack well – and to reduce the errors caused by us doing that.

“We need to not lose the ball in our own half, to finish the attack in the opposition half so there is no counter-attack.

“We need to press in the opposition half so they don’t get into ours very easily. That’s what we have to look at.

“What would I do if our style doesn’t get results? Should we go long every single time? Only attack if the opponent makes a mistake? Instead of pressing in their half, wait with 11 behind the ball?

“Trying to attack is what the fans want and you have to try and be efficient with the style you choose.

“Any manner allowing you to win is good and any circumstance when it doesn’t go well is considered bad.

“But I take risks so the game can be beautiful. Taking another option would mean I don’t care and that I will only go whichever way makes it possible to win.”

Bielsa is a control freak who likes to tailor his gameplan to combat opponents’ strengths.

The hectic Premier League schedule has left him with minimum time for analysis.

He added: “You have to pick a way. It doesn’t mean what I am saying is the right way – but you have to pick a way.”