‘Marcelo’s not going to change’
MARCELO BIELSA will stick two fingers up at his critics by refusing to compromise on his famed attacking philosophy, according to former Leeds boss Simon Grayson.
Bielsa copped some heavy flak after his side, playing wide-open football, were stuffed 6-2 at bitter rivals Manchester United last weekend.
But the eccentric Argentinian has stubbornly stated he will not turn to a Plan B because he has so much faith in his Plan A.
Grayson (below), who guided Leeds to promotion from League One and a famous FA Cup win at Old Trafford in 2009/10, said: “It’s a real split answer that you’re going to get from so many different people.
“Some will say Marcelo should carry on as things are whereas others will say he needs to change his philosophy or just tweak it slightly.
“But I think the one thing you will find is that he will stick to his principles, no matter what anybody else says.
“If you asked the supporters, they are certainly loving the style of football that Leeds play.
“They beat Newcastle 5-2 on the Wednesday and then lost 6-2 at Man United four days later in a game which could have ended up anything.
“Leeds United supporters like to be entertained and when I was manager we scored a lot of goals and conceded plenty too.
“I think they would rather see that philosophy under Bielsa rather than parking the bus and sneaking a 1-0 win.
“To put it into context, out of the three promoted sides, Leeds have collected the most points by playing this brand of football.
“I think so much is being made of their style because of who they lost to last weekend.
“Manchester United are their greatest rivals and, as a Leeds fan myself, i it hurts to lose to t them.”
Leeds host Burnley at Elland Road this lunchtime a and Grayson fee feels any chang changes to El Loco’s system will be minor tweaks.
“It may be a case of both full-backs not going forward at the same time to provide more stability,” added Grayson.
“But that then takes away the team’s attacking instinct of creating chances and scoring the goals that they have done.
“The goals Leeds conceded last week were basic errors and Bielsa can’t legislate for players switching off.
“But in terms of Bielsa’s general philosophy, after two and a half years in charge of Leeds and a long career in management, fundamentally he won’t change.”