Marcelo Bielsa has blocked Leeds goalkeeper Illan Meslier playing for France at the Olympics.
Under-21 international Meslier would have been part of France’s squad for the Tokyo Games, which begin on July 23.
But Bielsa has refused to let his No 1 go because he would have been away for a significant chunk of Leeds’ pre-season campaign.
Meslier, 21, might also have missed the start of the new Premier League season on August 14 and he accepts the timing was all wrong.
When asked if he would be going to the Olympics, Meslier said: “No, because Leeds is refusing.
“It’s a very bad time because two days after the final, it’s the Premier League again. I can’t afford to be away a month before.”
Meslier is enjoying seeing his family in his native Brittany for the first time in eight months after France’s defeat to Holland in the semi-finals of the Under-21 European Chamionships.
“It’s a breath of fresh air,” he told Brittany’s Le Telegramme. “I miss the sea, my family, my friends. I’ve been here since Tuesday to spend my vacations here.
“I had not been able to come back since last October, while my parents came over for Christmas.”
Meslier has quietly established himself as Leeds’ No 1 ahead of Kika Casilla and he broke Joe Hart’s 13-year record in April to become the youngest goalkeeper to keen 10 clean sheets in the Premier League.
He is loved by Leeds fans and is grateful for their support, even though he says he does not understand what they are singing.
“It’s a special club because of the club’s history,” said Meslier, who made his loan move from Lorient permanent last summer. “It’s a bit like Saint-Etienne and Lens back home.
“There is an exceptional atmosphere in the stadium, with great supporters who like to make noises and sing songs - which I don't understand - but there are no insults in England.
“It’s a crazy atmosphere like in Liverpool, Manchester. It gives you the shivers.”
Director of football Victor Orta is masterminding Leeds’ transfer strategy and he has been offered West Brom winger Matheus Pereira.
Pereira is keen to find a Premier League club following the Baggies’ relegation, but it is understood Leeds are not interested in him at present.
Orta is also speaking to Manchester City about Jack Harrison and the winger will officially become a Leeds player on July 1 after three seasons on loan at Elland Road.
Leeds will pay a cut-price amount of between £10million and £15million for Harrison, which will reflect the sum they have already paid City in loan fees.
