Leeds manager Bielsa says no more team tip-offs

Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa said that he will no longer announce his starting XI before matches in order to avoid backlash.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Bielsa was asked if he would keep West Ham guessing on his centre back partnership with Diego Llorente and Robin Koch out injured and the 65-year-old Argentine proceeded to list the entire lineup.

Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa said he will no longer discuss which players will be in his starting lineup ahead of time after his decision to name his team two days before a match last week sparked a “backlash”.

Bielsa had been asked last Wednesday if he would keep West Ham United guessing on his centre back partnership for their Premier League game. The Argentine then proceeded to list his entire lineup for the match, which took place on Friday.

That led to West Ham manager Moyes saying Bielsa could have been bluffing but the Argentine said it was not a ruse.

West Ham won the game 2-1.

“Nothing about it was incorrect,” Bielsa told reporters ahead of Wednesday's league game against Newcastle United.

 

“It would be incorrect if we thought that knowing the 11 of the opponent gives you an important advantage. For me it doesn't give you an important advantage.

“So from now on and to avoid any backlash, I will not continue to give answers on the players who can or who cannot play on the weekend.”

Leeds are 14th with 14 points from 12 games.