Leeds will not ditch playing style: Bielsa

Manager says team’s mistakes are to blame for their heavy 6-2 defeat to Man United

MANCHESTER:

Leeds United will not abandon their style of play despite losing 6-2 at Manchester United in the Premier League on Sunday but they will need to make adjustments to avoid similar thrashings, manager Marcelo Bielsa said.

Leeds have won plenty of praise for their high-energy, high-pressing style but were put to the sword by United, who played through their press with swift passes, and they have now conceded a league-worst 30 goals.

Bielsa told Sky Sports his team’s mistakes were to blame for the heavy defeat.

“They took advantage of our misplaced passing when we tried to build the attack and this is how they created the majority of their chances,” he said.

“If the opposing team is able to impose their style on us it means the opposing manager was able to neutralise it. We will correct things but we will not abandon the way we play.”

Bielsa added that Leeds’ style is only called into question when they lose.

“When we lose there are questions about the style of play and when we win we are praised for it. This is something we just have to take on board,” he said.

The result left Leeds 14th in the league with 17 points, seven clear of the relegation zone. They host Burnley in the Premier League on Sunday.