TalkSPORT’s Gabby Agbonlahor has commented on Marcelo Bielsa’s unwillingness to deviate from the tactics that have got Leeds United to the position they find themselves in.
Having been appointed in 2018, Marcelo Bielsa’s tactical acumen has transformed Leeds from a team struggling to breach the top six of the Championship, to one that is aiming to do the same in the Premier League long-term.
A style leaning heavily on the dominance of possession in key areas, Leeds’ chance creation very week under the Argentine has been phenomenal, even in the top flight against some of Europe’s best teams.
https://twitter.com/LUFCDATA/status/1333173959383199744
The sustainability of this front-foot style never came into question in the Championship when Leeds were comfrotably the best there in that regard, but the Premier League has thrown up a few defeats already where thise method has been exploited.
Home defeats to Wolves and Leicester City and an away defeat to Crystal Palace highlighted how Leeds were susceptible to counter-attacks when caught in transition by the swift breaks of those teams.
Saturday evening’s trip to Chelsea saw Leeds go there on the back of two stunning performances against Arsenal and Everton, claiming four points while keeping two clean sheets.
Obviously, with that in mind, why would Bielsa change anything?
Patrick Bamford opened the scoring with a composed finish following Kalvin Phillips’ inch-perfect through ball and it was another example of the Whites rattling one of the big boys.
However, Leeds left Stamford Bridge empty-handed as Frank Lampard’s side came from behind to overcome Leeds and secure a deserved 3-1 win.
Olivier Giroud diverted home from close range for Chelsea’s first, while Kurt Zouma’s powerful header put the Blues in front, and then Christian Pulisic slid home to finish off a swift counter for the hosts to seal the win in added time.
Leeds were well in the game and pressed on for an equaliser until Pulisic clinched the win, but former Aston Villa striker Gabby Agbonlahor believes more savvy game-management would benefit Bielsa’s side going forward.
“For me, yes they are a very fit team, very hard working team, they have got their set ways.” The ex-Villan told talkSPORT.
“But I have said it before I want to see Bielsa try something different, maybe different tactics against better sides.
“Because you look at Chelsea 20-something shots at the goal. You are looking at it and thinking the third goal, where Werner runs through and puts in the path for Pulisic to score.
“Other teams would be like ‘You know what let’s not be so on the halfway line. Let’s drop back and not allow the space in behind because they have got quick players’.
“It seems like Leeds will just go head to head with anyone, they could play Bayern Munich and play exactly the same way and not be bothered about losing 8-2 or something – I think that’s something they might need to change.”
⚪️ “Yes, Leeds are a very fit team & have their set ways.”
🙏 “I want to see Bielsa try something different against the better sides.”
🤦♂️ “It seems like Leeds Utd could play Bayern & play the same way!”
@OfficialGA11 wants #LUFC to take less risks against bigger, better sides. pic.twitter.com/EphUaySVmH
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) December 7, 2020