PULIS GIVES BIELSA FESTIVE WARNING

MARCELO BIELSA says rival boss Tony Pulis has warned him how tough December is in the promotion race.

Bielsa is experiencing his first festive programme with Leeds and today’s clash with Bolton is the first of five games in 17 days for him and his side.

The Argentinian, who has managed in six countries, says Middlesbrough boss Pulis (below) told him it is difficult and he knows he most rotate his squad. “Tony Pulis, who is a man with a lot of experience, told me that December was a crucial month for the Championship,” said Bielsa (right). “So we are trying to adapt to find good solutions. “Of course I knew about the tradition in this country of playing over Christmas, everyone knows about this. It’s something new for me because it’s the first time I’ve worked in England. My goal is to adapt to the situation.

“We have the same problems as every other team. Usually you don’t play every three days in a period of two-and-a-half weeks, but we adapt to what happens and take one game after the other.

“We must consider fatigue and see if the succession of games affects players’ performance.”