Daily Star

BIELSA’S FURY AT RON SALE

Leeds boss in blast at board

- By MIKE WHALLEY

NEW Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa is on a collision course with his board after suggesting they sold Ronaldo Vieira without his say-so.

The England Under-21 star,

20, joined Sampdoria in a

£6.2m deal yesterday on the eve of the new season.

And Bielsa was given no guarantee that he will be able to sign a replacemen­t.

Leeds are already without fellow midfielder Adam Forshaw for six weeks with ankle ligament damage as they prepare to kick off their Championsh­ip season at home to Stoke tomorrow.

Nicknamed ‘El Loco’ due to his fiery personalit­y, Bielsa once threatened a group of his own fans with a hand grenade while working in Argentina.

And clearly frustrated over Vieira’s exit he said: “Ronaldo was a player involved in the project. The club decided to sell him and I adapt to this MOTIVATED: Morrison

decision. I can’t say he’s not a good player. He is a good player. If a club such as Sampdoria buy Ronaldo, it’s because they can see he is good.

“I am not sure if another player will come in to replace Ronaldo or not.

“The situation is more complicate­d because Adam is out for six weeks so we have to take that into account.”

Despite the shock sale, the former Chile boss insists he is determined to be a success at Elland Road.

Bielsa added: “When I speak, I try not to lie. The goal is to face this challenge, which is a very exciting one.”

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 ??  ?? BIG LOSS: Vieira was held in high regard by Bielsa (inset)
BIG LOSS: Vieira was held in high regard by Bielsa (inset)

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