MOT Leeds News speaking to Paul Robinson

Thu 29 October 2020 12:18, UK

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 said that Marcelo Bielsa made the right decision to hook Pascal Struijk off in the 21st minute in the game against Aston Villa.

Struijk, who was standing in for Kalvin Phillips in the defensive midfield spot, made a rash challenge on Jack Grealish, followed by another that was on the line of a second yellow, before getting taken off.

It’s tough for a player to be taken off so early on in such a profile game but Robinson. said that it is always “side before self” at Leeds under Bielsa.

Talking exclusively to MOT Leeds News Robinson said, “It was the booking and the position he plays in. Bielsa couldn’t risk him getting another booking.

“Looking at where he was playing and the sort of tackles he was putting in, he was treading a fine line and he could easily have been sent off.

“That would have had a massive impact on the game. Bielsa was very proactive and made a decision and it paid off big time.

“It’s unfortunate for the player but player comes after side at Leeds under Bielsa. One more tackle and he might have had a red card. Credit to Bielsa for making that decision.

“It’s team before self all the time. It’s one of the mottos you’ll see at the Leeds training ground – you see it everywhere and this was a great example.”

Bielsa has never shirked from making big and possibly unpopular decisions. He’s subbed subs off before and he showed with Struijk that he doesn’t mind making big decisions early on.

It was a tough watch seeing Struijk make the long walk back to the dugout and it’s especially hard to take in such a high profile game.

However, Struijk will get over it and he’ll get another chance at the club.

In other Leeds United news, ‘Said I wasn’t good enough’ – Leeds ace claims Bielsa battered him for 30 minutes after PL clash