Leeds stars have let ‘hurting’ Bielsa down after honest confession – Whelan
Noel Whelan has claimed Marcelo Bielsa will be hurting at Leeds United after hearing him speak out about the defeat to Southampton.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Leeds striker admitted the Whites were “second best all over the field” against the Saints.
Asked if Southampton’s ability to outrun his side upset him, as quoted by Leeds Live, Bielsa said it was “one of the things that I observed with worry”.
The Argentine boss also confessed it had been “one of the most difficult” weeks at Leeds since he took charge.
The Whites lost 1-0 at St Mary’s thanks to a second-half goal from Armando Broja.
Leeds failed to threaten the Saints, with not one shot on target.
However, Whelan suggested Leeds’ lack of intensity will have upset Bielsa more than the actual result.
He compared the performance to Leeds’ defeat to QPR in February 2019.
Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “The thing is it hurts him. He takes so much pride in his job and what he expects from the players.
“I guess it’s like a parent when the kids let you down at school in one way or another. It’s that kind of feeling of disappointment.
“You’ve got everything in place, you’re at a great school. You’re getting all the learning that you need, some of the best teachers in the world. Then you’re not performing when it comes to your exam. It’s disappointing.
“We saw him at QPR crouching down in the tunnel, thinking about the poor performance they put in. I don’t think it was any different against Southampton.”
“We were second best all over the field. We didn’t get any shots on target. Leeds take pride in their attacking play, making teams work hard defensively.
“I think the fact we were second best to every ball, the intensity wasn’t there, that will have hurt him a lot more. That is how we play. That is our style. They outplayed us with our own style.”
In other news, Whelan has admitted his “biggest fears” have come true at Leeds United.