Marcelo Bielsa was still insisting that he is to blame for the loss to Norwich City in the press conference today before Saturday’s match against Middlesbrough.
"the opponent had 6 chances to score and scored 3 goals. We had a contribution which made it easier. Apparently there is space for criticism of this but I don't think so. When the style demands you move the goal from your own keeper, the possibility to lose the ball is inherent."
— Phil Hay (@PhilHayYEP) February 7, 2019
The manager noted that the style that Leeds play, where the team passes the ball around, even at the back, is inherently risky. And because of that, if a team plays like that all the time, that while it sometimes means that the club will be successful, it also means that the team will sometimes give up cheap goals. Hence, he is responsible for the style and therefore the result.
Bielsa also noted that the team seemed to play worse in the second half, after he had made changes. To Bielsa, this meant that he had made a mistake, as the changes didn’t work.
Again, it’s refreshing to see a manager take the blame, rather than deflect or blame the players on the pitch. Of course, if the players don’t play better this weekend, it won’t matter very much how much Bielsa talks.
On to the links.
Leeds United Links
The Football League is discussing the farce that is “Spygate.” [Through It All Together]
England and English Football Links
One writer thinks that the fan culture surrounding Aston Villa has reached a toxic level. [7500 to Holte]
West Ham United have supplied police evidence of abuse of Liverpool’s Mo Salah. [BBC.com]
Does Marco Silva know what to do with Everton’s wingers? [Royal Blue Mersey]
World Football Links
Is Jose Mourinho really set to manage Inter Milan again? [Serpents of Madonnina]
An look at the state of AS Roma. [Chiesa di Totti]
Was the lack of results for Gonzalo Higuain at AC Milan Gennaro Gattuso’s fault? [AC Milan Offside]
Genoa officially purchased Stefano Sturaro back from Juventus. [Black & White & Read All Over]
Recap of Mexico’s Liga MX Femenil. [FMF State of Mind]