Rivals’ results do not concern me, says Bielsa
Marcelo Bielsa says Leeds will not be influenced by the results of their Sky Bet Championship rivals.
The Whites travel to play-off hopefuls Swansea today and the fixture will take place after West Brom, Brentford and Fulham have all been in action.
It does not concern Argentinian Bielsa, however, who said: “Even if we play before or after, we are obliged to win anyway.
“The fact that we know the result of the opponents doesn’t change anything.” Swansea also have plenty of motivation to clinch three points, and back-to-back wins have boosted their hopes of a top-six finish.
Cardiff’s defeat at Fulham on Friday opened the door further, but Swans manager Steve Cooper is not bothered about the results of their rivals and focused on his own players.
“We are just talking about the last game and the next game and their current situation in terms of their football performance,” Cooper said.
“That’s my focus with them and their focus with me.
“It will remain that way while knowing the other stuff might be going on in the background beyond the season.”
At the other end of the table, relegationthreatened Stoke will aim to bounce back from Thursday’s 5-0 loss to Leeds when they host Birmingham.
Potters manager Michael O’neill said: “We have four games to save ourselves. The players are not daft.
“They have to make sure they are ready to play.
“It’s a home game and we will do everything we can do win.” Birmingham are managerless after Pep Clotet left his role as head coach on Wednesday following a 10th league game without a win.
Senior professional development coach Steve Spooner and first-team coach Craig Gardner will take charge of the clash.
Spooner said: “Confidence is a massive thing and it is so important they get that belief back in themselves and in their team mates.”