Here are your Leeds United evening headlines for Thursday, December 3.
Marcelo Bielsa discusses ‘Spygate’ ahead of Lampard clash
Marcelo Bielsa has discussed ‘Spygate’ and his relationship with Chelsea head coach Frank Lampard as he comes up against the former Derby County boss once again.
Lampard was the manager at Derby when he accused Bielsa and Leeds of cheating.
Leeds had sent scouts to watch Derby train ahead of a contest between the two teams in January 2019. In a staunch defence, Bielsa then provided an infamous presentation in which he provided in-depth information on Derby’s tactics. The club was fined £200,000.
Bielsa was asked about his relationship with Lampard in his pre-match press conference.
“It's not bad,” he said. “The relationship with him is similar to those I have with all my other colleagues.”
He also commented on the punishment given. “I didn’t learn anything that I didn’t know prior to that,” he added.
“I know the spirit of English football.
“The punishment I received, according to what the authorities deemed, this indicates to me that this should not be repeated. This certain aspect which can be deemed as something I learned.”
Ezgjan Alioski makes Leeds admission
Ezgjan Alioski has revealed that he would love to extend his contract at Leeds as he currently plays in the final year of his deal.
The versatile midfielder has made 142 appearances for the club since signing in 2017 on a four-year contract. Now 28, he says that he would love to extend his stay at Elland Road, while admitting that there has been no movement regarding an offer.
“Still nothing has happened,” he told BBC West Yorkshire Sport Daily.
“I am here, of course, until my contract ends next year. But I am not thinking that I will leave Leeds. My head is only for Leeds, concentrated. But what will happen will happen in the end.”
Ian Poveda will be a “brilliant player”
Ian Poveda will be a “brilliant player” in the coming years, despite having not made a start for the club since he arrived in the summer.
That is the opinion of Jermaine Beckford, who raved about Poveda’s natural ability to the Doing A Leeds podcast.
Poveda has made six Premier League appearances from off the bench this season. He signed from Manchester City in January 2020 and has impressed in his brief outings. Beckford believes that he will become an excellent player.
“He’s got pace, trickery,” Beckford said.
”The only issue with Poveda is his attitude to tracking back and defending.
“I think once he has nailed that, and realises it is a team game and doing it for the greater good – he will be a brilliant player.”
