Leeds United employee hints at major change from Marcelo Bielsa
Noel Whelan has hinted that Leeds United could make a big change to their tactical set-up ahead of the Saturday lunchtime clash against Tottenham.
The former Whites striker and club ambassador, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed a 5-4-1 set-up would be “so much harder to break down”.
As quoted by Leeds Live (25 February), Marcelo Bielsa insisted he will not be abandoning his tactical principles despite Leeds United’s recent form – claiming things would be “even worse” if he stopped doing what he believes.
The Whites have lost seven of their last 10 Premier League games and could enter the bottom three today depending on results elsewhere.
Whelan insisted Bielsa must look to stiffen a Leeds United defence which has conceded the most goals of any top-flight side this term.
He suggested a low block could be utilised to reduce space for opposition stars to thrive between the lines.
“To a point, I completely agree with Bielsa, I don’t think Leeds should be changing their style of play,” he told Football Insider‘s Russell Edge.
“But I think when you come up against the better teams in the Premier League, you’ve got to think about how you defend off the ball.
“Whether that’s a 4-4-2, or a 5-4-1, it doesn’t matter. You’re looking for these solid banks of players. It could be a low block to help cut the distance between the star players or between the lines.
“That gives teams less time on the ball and would help Leeds United become more solid. Teams would be relying on individual brilliance to break us down.
“Coming up against the better players in the league – they will run you from right to left. You can’t keep moving players around – I think a 5-4-1 set-up would be so much harder to break down.
“At the minute we are finding it hard to keep any kind of shape at the back because we’re being moved around that often.
“On the ball, I’m all for going attacking. But in transition, we just need to tweak it and be a little bit more cute and conservative.”
Leeds United face Tottenham at Elland Road today (26 February).
In other news, pundit issues Ralf Rangnick verdict after Whites manager hunt update.