Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa feels that his side’s previous encounters with play-off opponents Derby County will not be decisive on their upcoming clash, despite the legacy of Spygate.
The Whites confirmed third place in the Championship and a two-legged tie against the Rams following the final day of the regular season, after they lost 3-2 to relegated Ipswich Town.
Bielsa has already masterminded his side to the league double over Frank Lampard’s outfit this season, to give them the theoretical upper hand in the fight to reach Wembley.
However, their second encounter saw the now-legendary Spygate saga unfold, with United accused of employing covert surveillance against County ahead of the game.
Bielsa subsequently admitted to the practice and then held an extraordinary press conference explaining his tactical methods, with a full deconstruction of how Lampard’s team worked.
The fallout has since marked out the duo’s play-off showdown as a must-see attraction, with a place in the final at stake over the upcoming pair of games.
However, speaking at his post-match press conference following defeat at Portman Road on Sunday, Bielsa stated that he did not view previous victories as important for his side, stating instead that he would be reinforcing the danger of County’s creative talent.
“I don't think that the games we played against Derby are decisive and I wouldn’t be able to tell you new things about this team that is not already known,” the Argentine stated.
“The team is defined by the profile of the players and players of Derby have important creative features.”
Leeds play their first tie away at Pride Park on Saturday 11 May, before a second leg reverse at Elland Road four days later on Wednesday 15 May.
