Ex-manager raises Leeds relegation fears after Bielsa’s Llorente confession
Alex McLeish has insisted Leeds United need to keep their top players fit in order to avoid a relegation battle this season.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Scotland boss admitted being knocked out of the League Cup by Arsenal could be a blessing in disguise.
Marcelo Bielsa named a relatively strong starting XI in the 2-0 defeat, with the likes of Diego Llorente, Kalvin Phillips and Rodrigo all named in the lineup.
However, Bielsa took the Spanish defender off before the hour mark, replacing him with Liam Cooper.
Explaining the decision, as quoted by Leeds Live (27th October), Bielsa confessed a “succession of games isn’t always great for Llorente”.
The centre-back has played every minute of Leeds’ last three Premier League games.
The 28-year-old has struggled with injuries during his time at Elland Road.
McLeish insisted Bielsa was right to protect his player from any sort of issue.
He admitted losing star men could see the Whites embroiled in a relegation battle this season.
“He’ll feel he’s got a responsibility to the players as well,” McLeish told Football Insider’s Russell Edge.
“He’s playing them through when a player may be carrying a small injury. Bielsa will be the first to try and protect those kind of players.
“Possibly, going out the cup is not the worst thing in the world for them.
“Their real, principal aim is the Premier League. To get up that table, in case they become ensconced in a relegation battle.
“This is a really important season for them. A lot of time I heard the comment second season syndrome. That has happened to a lot of clubs and managers over the piece.”
Leeds currently sit 17th in the Premier League table, three points off the drop zone.
In other news, pundit predicts Leeds United turnaround after ‘brilliant’ Bielsa footage emerges.