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Marcelo Bielsa defended Gjanni Alioski during his post-match press conference after the win at Sheffield United, but only to a point.
"So far Alioski played 30 games (club and internationals). It's hard to think you can play so many without having ups and downs." #lufc
— Phil Hay (@PhilHayYEP) December 1, 2018
Bielsa noted that Alioksi has already played close to 30 competitive matches, as he’s been involved in all of Macedonia’s Nations League games as well as every match for Leeds this season, including the League Cup ones back in August. And while fatigue might be playing a part, the truth is that Alioski has looked poor for a few weeks now.
Last season, Thomas Christiansen left Alioski on the bench a few times after international breaks because of the travel and the playing commitments that came from Alioski’s time with his national team. This year is no different, so perhaps Bielsa will take a page from Christiansen’s book and rest Alioski*?
So does this mean that Jack Clarke should get a chance? Bielsa seems confident in him, but now the question is Bielsa willing to drop Alioski after subbing him off at half-time two straight games. Clarke appears ready, will the match against Queens Park Rangers be a good time for him to get the start?
On to the links.
*I literally never thought I’d type a sentence saying that Bielsa could learn from Christiansen, and I’m not lying when I say that I’m feeling really uncomfortable about it.
Leeds United Links
Recap of the match against Sheffield United. [Through It All Together]
Jack rated the players. [Through It All Together]
Pete also rated the players. [Through It All Together]
England and English Football Links
A Tottenham Hotspur “fan” was arrested for throwing a banana skin at Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. [The Short Fuse]
Arsenal won the North London Derby 4-2 over Spurs. [The Short Fuse]
World Football Links
Club América beat Toluca to advance in Mexico’s Liga MX Liguilla semifinals. [FMF State of Mind]
Santos Laguna lost 0-2 to Monterrey, and the Rayados will move on to the semifinals. [FMF State of Mind]
Cruz Azul drew at home with Querétaro, but won on aggregate. [FMF State of Mind]
AC Milan came from behind to beat Parma 2-1 at the San Siro. [AC Milan Offside]