Marcelo Bielsa claims Leeds cannot buy their way out of trouble in January.
Leeds are just one place and two points above the drop zone following their loss to Tottenham and they have managed just two league wins all season.
They have been badly hit by injuries and they were without Patrick Bamford, Rodrigo, Raphinha, Luke Ayling and Robin Koch for their defeat to Spurs.
Bielsa says fans cannot expect chairman Andrea Radrizzani to get his chequebook out again in January because he has already splashed out over £150million on players in the last two transfer windows.
Bielsa dislikes buying in January and says Leeds would have to fork out between £20million and £30million to get the calibre of player they would want.
“It’s normal to demand an investment in the team,” said the Leeds head coach.
“Players have a level for any position, which costs us a minimum between £20million and £30million.
“So in an institution like Leeds, that has invested a lot on players in the second year and also the third year, to imagine that we could increase the power of our professional group, it shouldn’t be evaluated without looking at the economic possibilities.”
Bielsa refuses to panic in the face of Leeds’ poor start and believes their form will improve when their injured players return.
Who should Leeds sign in January? Comment below
Raphinha missed the trip to north London through illness and should be back for Saturday’s clash with Brighton, while Rodrigo was sidelined by a foot injury, which is not though to be serious.
“Hopefully we can resolve this with the recovery of the players that are absent and it is also by chance that the injuries that we pick up are all by players that play in the same position,” said Bielsa.
“It’s true we haven’t been able to count on Koch for a long period of time due to a problem with his pelvis, Bamford’s ankle has also been a long injury.
“Ayling’s knee has also been a long injury. After that there are injuries that are shorter and more common, so I have the feeling that we should only bring in players if they are better than the ones we already have.”
