Exclusive: Robinson details why Bielsa keeps hooking Leeds star who’s been slammed by some fans
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United…
Paul Robinson has rubbished the notion that Leeds United midfielder Mateusz Klich has suffered a drop in form in recent weeks.
Klich, 30, was substituted off early in the 6-2 defeat to Manchester United and was also hooked 66 minutes into the 1-0 win against Burnley.
A section of Leeds fans tore Klich to shreds on Twitter despite the team beating Burnley with the midfielder giving the ball away regularly and wasting possession with a couple of awful attempts at goal that hit row Z.
However, Robinson believes Marcelo Bielsa only substituted Klich off in those games to keep him fresh because he’s such a key part of his plans.
When asked if he thinks Klich has been off the boil, Robinson told MOT Leeds News: “No, I don’t think so. I think it’s difficult to criticise him.
“Bielsa took him off in the second half and took him off at half-time at Old Trafford when they were four down, which shows that in the Christmas and New Year period he wants players fit for upcoming games.
“That shows where Klich is in his plans.
“He’s been an ever-present. He’s always consistent, he always plays well and I don’t think there’s any concern over his form whatsoever.”
Klich took to the Premier League like a duck to water but it would be fair to say that his performances had started to wane a bit until the 5-0 hammering of West Brom on Tuesday night.
No one really played that well in the 6-2 loss at Manchester United and Klich managed to win just 63 per cent of his total actions and 79 per cent of his passes [WyScout] at Old Trafford when his season averages in the Premier League are 66 per cent and 83 per cent respectively.
Klich was in much better form at West Brom but against one of the worst teams in the league, that is no shock.
It will be a big test for the midfielder this weekend when the Whites take on Tottenham in North London.
In other Leeds United news, Andrea Radrizzani has been urged to make a huge investment away from the Whites.