ALL-OUT ATTACK IS STILL BIELSA’S BEST DEFENCE

MARCELO BIELSA says playing well is more important to him than where Leeds finish.

United are 11th in the Premier League and have made a successful return to the top flight after their 16-year exile.

But Bielsa said: “The most important thing is how we play. If you finish eighth by not playing well that for me is worse than finishing 12th and playing well.

“But it’s also true by playing well it’s easier to finish higher up the table. I hope we are able to play well and advance up the table.”

The Argentine (top) passionately believes in his brand of attacking football and feels it offers Leeds the best chance of success.

Yet Bielsa concedes he will be criticised because of the number of goals Leeds let in and they have the Premier League’s second-worst defence after conceding 38 times.

“Almost everyone finds us entertaining,” said the United boss. “There are those who find it entertaining to face a side who concede as many as we do. Our team, like all the other teams, choose to play in a certain style because we think it’s what’s going to bring us closer to winning.

“If you take into account the form, the style, that all brings you closer to the aspects which are most beautiful about the game. Efficiency is the value we are most looking for.”

Leeds face Crystal Palace on Monday and Pablo Hernandez (left) missed the fixture at Selhurst Park in November when Bielsa axed him for kicking a water bottle after being subbed in the previous game.

Hernandez, 35, has made just two league starts this term but Bielsa insists the playmaker is still part of his plans.

“If I didn’t think Pablo had the same possibilities as his team-mates, particularly the ones who play in that position, I would not have wanted him as part of the group,” the Leeds boss added.