Costa may be finished at Leeds after latest Bielsa admission – McLeish
Marcelo Bielsa may have ran out of patience with Helder Costa after watching Leeds United lose to Aston Villa.
That is the view of former Scotland boss Alex McLeish who, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, questioned if the 27-year-old could actually deliver what his manager wanted from him on the wings.
Speaking after the 1-0 defeat against Aston Villa, Bielsa admitted his side “lacked precision” from out wide.
The Argentine also bemoaned a lack of “imagination” from his attacking options.
Costa took Jack Harrison’s place in the starting XI against the Villans and lasted just over an hour before being replaced by the Manchester City loanee.
The Portugal international has slipped down the pecking order in recent months, with just one league start since November.
McLeish admitted Bielsa’s latest comments could spell the end for the former Wolves man.
McLeish told Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge: “It’s a difficult one. The player Costa won’t like being criticised, but if it’s the kick up the backside that is needed…
“The other question is if Bielsa believes that he can provide it. Maybe he’s getting to the stage where he thinks he’s not capable of doing it. That is a very marked difference.
“If they can do it and they’re not delivering, then yes, I think he’s correct to call them out.
“If they’re not capable of doing that. That’s another thing.”
Costa has played a total of 17 times in the Premier League this season, with two goals and three assists to his name.
However, all but one of his starts came in the opening eight games of the campaign.
In other news, a La Liga expert has tipped Llorente to “explode” at Leeds United next term.