Exclusive: Whelan claims Bielsa has held ‘clear-the-air’ talks with disappointed Leeds ace
EXCLUSIVE
Noel Whelan claims that Kiko Casilla will have held “clear-the-air” talks with manager Marcelo Bielsa after Leeds United’s play-off semi-final defeat to Derby County.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Leeds striker and lifelong fan of the club says that the Spanish stopper will have had plenty to reflect on after a rollercoaster half season at Elland Road.
The former Real Madrid man, who signed for the Whites back in January, was a mainstay under Bielsa but had a shocking performance in the second leg of the semi-finals, contributing to the club’s defeat to Derby.
Whelan insists that Casilla has a lot to offer Leeds but that he needs to learn from his mistakes, stating that he will have sat down with Bielsa to discuss his problems.
Whelan told Football Insider: “He’s a goalkeeper that has a pedigree from a very top club in Europe. We’ve seen the potential there, there’s lots of things I did enjoy about him – the way he commands his area, his ball distribution.
“The only thing that let him down last season was a little bit of rashness and decision making at crucial times in games. Hopefully he’ll have learned from his mistakes last season.
“He’ll have held clear-the-air talks with Marcelo Bielsa and he’s got over the disappointment over the Derby match. He’s had a lot of time to reflect on his own personal performances and what is required from him.”
Casilla made 19 appearances for Leeds in his first half-season at Elland Road, the Spanish international taking Bailey Peacock-Farrell’s place between the sticks.