Bielsa can’t buy a win...

IS THERE realistically much further Marcelo Bielsa can take Leeds?

The Argentine (below) has worked wonders at Elland Road, taking a stagnant club back into the Premier League for the first time in 16 years.

He’s injected the Yorkshiremen with a work ethic, ambition and an edge that deservedly got them into the top 10 last season.

He’s developed players such as Kalvin Phillips into an England regular and Patrick Bamford into a top-flight force.

The end-to-end chaos that Leeds’ tactics force games to become is hugely valuable to the Premier League entertainment. They shared 38 shots with Newcastle at St James’ Park on Friday, 21 their own.

But still no league victory this season, the first time Bielsa’s Leeds have gone five games without a win.

Bielsa, of course, won’t panic – but no wins?

“Yes, yes, of course it worries me...” he said.

Star man Raphinha talked about his wish to help bring European football to Leeds and that’s not too far-fetched if they keep building, but not, perhaps, this season.

Leeds will be comfortably mid-table in a season when they will make consolidation look thrilling.

Avoiding a second-season syndrome slump is enough.

Concern about converting the chances in front of goal has been a constant of Bielsa’s reign – and remains a problem. “We’re missing some efficiency,” he said, for the umpteenth time on Friday night.

Teams now sit deeper and don’t attack Leeds so much, out of respect and their counter-attack. Get into a basketball game and you’ll lose.

Bielsa won’t change and will keep serving up excitement, but perhaps struggle to match last term’s place.