Repeat not ruled out

MARCELO Bielsa refused to rule out continuing to employ the same ‘spy’ tactics that overshadowed Leeds United’s 2-0 win over Derby County at Elland Road.

The build-up to the Sky Bet Championship match on Friday night was dominated by claims from Derby that a man was caught outside their training ground on Thursday.

Derbyshire Police were forced to intervene and it transpired the individual was an employee of Leeds who was watching a training session.

Bielsa spoke to Derby boss Frank Lampard over the phone to accept full responsibility and was open about the incident before and after goals from Kemar Roofe and Jack Harrison secured Leeds a win on Friday night.

“I’m not trying to justify anything,” said Leeds’ former Argentina and Chile coach. “I’ve just explained why I feel I’m not a person who cheats and why I accept any reaction this behaviour creates.

“Things are as English football says. I have to respect the habits and traditions of this country.

“I would accept any sanction the club takes against me and any sanction the federation takes against me and also the judgement of Derby County.

“This episode affects me. Of course the win is important.

“The only thing I’m going to apologise for is to have contaminated a football game with this subject.

“If I was a child, I would say I won’t do it again but I wouldn’t feel right responding like this and would lose credibility.

“I won’t say that I won’t do it again. It’s a childish position to answer like that.”