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David Byrom

Paul Merson hits out at Marcelo Bielsa over Leeds United tactical 'madness'

Paul Merson has hit out at Leeds United's style of play, labelling Marcelo Bielsa's tactics as madness.

The Whites were on the receiving end of a 6-2 defeat to Manchester United last weekend, looking shaky in defence as they consistently attacked their rivals.

It led to plenty of debate over Leeds' style of play under Bielsa, despite the fact they had beaten Newcastle United 5-2 the previous game whilst using the same tactics.

Outspoken pundit Merson says he cannot see why Bielsa is unwilling to change the Whites' style depending on how the game is going.

How will Bielsa improve defence without impacting attack?

Writing in the Daily Star, Merson said he does not understand why Bielsa has been hailed by so many managers as being one of the best coaches in the world.

The former Arsenal midfielder argued that, whilst he does enjoy watching Leeds play, Bielsa cannot be so highly rated until he wins trophies.

"Playing the Marcelo Bielsa way is madness," he said.

"They play the same way whatever the score is. That can’t be right. I love watching them. But people are telling me their manager is the best in the world. Why?

"The best managers win things. I played football to win stuff. Not to be every neutral’s favourite team to watch. People only like watching you until you start winning.

"They soon go off you when you lift a few trophies. Leeds can’t keep on playing like this. It frustrates me."

Adding to his comments on Sky Sports' Soccer Saturday he said.

"It's alright us all going 'great, great, great', but if I'm a Leeds fan, I'm fuming.

"I don't go to Man United and get beat 6-2, it's our cup final."

Leeds will be looking to bounce back from their heavy defeat at Old Trafford when they face Burnley this weekend in the Premier League.

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