Bielsa admits to key blunders

LEEDS United’s horror show at Goodison was underlined by Marcelo Bielsa hooking star player Raphinha on 45 minutes after the Brazilian was kept quiet by makeshift Everton’s left-back Jonjoe Kenny — normally the reserve right-back.

Bielsa confirmed Raphinha had been removed for tactical reasons, raising eyebrows as Leeds were already without Patrick Bamford and Kalvin Phillips.

‘He is not injured. I decided that Daniel James should take over his role on the right and Tyler Roberts take over in the centre,’ said Bielsa whose side aren’t safe and face Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham next.

‘This game was very difficult for us to defend in. We couldn’t anticipate their forwards and we couldn’t manage to attack.’

Bielsa also took responsibility for having to take of Mateusz Klich at the interval having already lost Northern Ireland’s Stuart Dallas to injury.

‘I put Mateusz Klich in front of our three centre-backs and he couldn’t do what he does best, which is make runs in attack. It as an error on my part,’ said the Argentine.

Everton manager Frank Lampard was left drooling over a first Everton start for Donny van de Beek who helped set up the opener.

‘I’m not surprised Donny fitted in straight away because I know he has a work ethic and intelligence,’ said Lampard. ‘He can play a number of positions. He has the talent to play between the lines. He can play higher.’

There was also a resurgence in form of Alex Iwobi, who had been booed by fans under former manager Rafa Benitez.

‘A new manager is reboot for everybody. Alex has got his head down in training and the way he’s performed, he’s demanding a place in the team,’ added Lampard.

‘He just needs to believe in himself. I certainly believe in him.’