Leeds United news: Bielsa may have just ‘spotted something he doesn’t like’ from Raphinha – pundit
Marcelo Bielsa may have “spotted something he didn’t like” from Leeds United star man Raphinha.
That is the view of former Arsenal striker Kevin Campbell, who was speaking exclusively to Football Insider in the wake of the 25-year-old’s half-time substitution against Everton.
Brazil international Raphinha was hauled off at half-time by Bielsa and replaced by Tyler Roberts – who was powerless to avert Leeds United’s eventual 3-0 defeat on Saturday (12 February).
Speaking post-match, as quoted by Leeds Live, the Whites boss confirmed the move was a purely tactical one.
Campbell suggested Bielsa should have switched Raphinha’s role after he failed to get the better of Everton left-back Jonjoe Kenny.
“I love Raphinha,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“If you’re going to change it for tactical reasons, then you take him and put him somewhere else.
“Maybe Bielsa spotted something he didn’t like in that first half and decided to hook him. It could be that he was trying to stiffen up that Leeds side.
“He’s the manager and he’s more experienced than most, but Raphinha is a special player. I would have tried him in another position because he makes Leeds United tick.”
Raphinha has netted eight goals and contributed two assists in 21 Premier League appearances this term.
Leeds United sit 15th in the top flight – just six points adrift of relegation danger.
The Whites face fierce rivals Man United on Saturday (19 February).
In other news, medical expert fears Leeds United ace could be out for an extended period after “massive” news.