Here is your Leeds United morning digest for Thursday, October 22.
Roofe discusses Bielsa’s similarities with Steven Gerrard
Former Leeds United striker Kemar Roofe has said his manager at Rangers, Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, has similar views to the game as Marcelo Bielsa.
The 27-year-old has two goals in six appearances for the Old Firm club and finished as United’s top scorer in his one and only season under Bielsa, with 15 goals in all competitions in 2018/19.
"The way in which Marcelo Bielsa and Steven Gerrard see the game, it is not let’s line up 11 against 11 and see what happens at the final whistle. It is not like that,” he told CFB Football.
"Everything is thought out and there is a reason behind why we are doing it, actual tactics and we will train a certain way to help us in the next game.
"We will set up a certain way and players will get certain roles and jobs to do for different games so it’s like a game of chess basically.
"It is not always down to who works the hardest running-wise or who is strongest or skilful there is a lot more to it such as formations, positions and how to actually play certain formations.
"There is so much behind it and there is a lot of thought that goes into it."
Read what he said in full here.
Bielsa addresses Phillips injury
Bielsa has had his say following the shock news that Kalvin Phillips could face up to six weeks on the sidelines with a shoulder injury sustained in Monday’s 1-0 defeat to Wolves.
“It’s not defined how long he will be out for," the Argentinian said. "It could be more or it could be less. The one who will play in his place will be Pascal (Struijk).
“An injury is always uncomfortable, it always comes at an inopportune time. What you say is true, it comes at a moment that is very special for Kalvin.”
Read what Bielsa said in full from his pre-match press conference ahead of Friday night’s match against Aston Villa here.
Smith praises Whites boss
Aston Villa manager Dean Smith says he has nothing but respect for his opposite number Bielsa ahead of Friday night’s clash.
The two coaches played out memorable tactical battles with Smith in charge of Brentford and Villa during the 2018/19 season, in which Leeds finished third but missed out on promotion as Smith’s Villans went up via the play-offs.
"There’s a certain work ethic there but there’s also a lot of quality there as well," Smith said.
“I’ve got total admiration and respect for him (Bielsa) and what his team have done.
"He’s improved the players at that football club and he’s rightly getting the plaudits.”
