WE FEEL LIKE FRAUDS
Bielsa takes blame for ‘hurt’ felt by fans after drubbing at United
MARCELO BIELSA claims Leeds “defrauded” their fans with their 5-1 hammering by arch rivals Manchester United.
Bielsa knows how important this fixture is to Leeds supporters because of the intense rivalry between the clubs and feels he let them down.
He understands their hurt and aims to start making amends by beating Everton at Elland Road tomorrow.
“Of course the self-esteem and confidence decreases after a defeat like we suffered at the weekend,” said the manager.
“The one thing that is damaged the most by a defeat like this are the expectations and hopes the fans had for this game, and we feel like we have defrauded them. If there’s something that hurts a lot it’s to disappoint them and not give what’s expected of us.
“This produces suffering. The closeness of the games gives you the option to make a comeback and start to repay that debt.
“Games like the one we lost on Saturday generate hurt that you don’t forget.
“But you can point forwards with new emotions that stop that hurt.” The mauling was the second in eight months suffered by Leeds at Old Trafford, having lost 6-2 there in December, and Bielsa accepted full responsibility.
“When you coach a team who are so generous and are so professional and the manager doesn’t achieve what he is looking for, it is the fault of the manager,” he said.
Bielsa received a massive boost when it emerged that striker Patrick Bamford had agreed to sign a new five-year contract, ending talk of him moving to Tottenham.
And the manager played down the prospect of any more signings, saying he is happy with his squad. “Bamford is very important,” he said. “He’s one of the best strikers in English football.
“It’s not likely any more signings will be made. I’m happy and comfortable with the players I can count on.
“If we have the option to bring another player in we will do it as long as he is able to challenge the player we already have in that position.
“A signing to strengthen the team has to be a player who can compete with the players that we have and there is a very high cost to this.”