Paul Merson baffled by Marcelo Bielsa perception, backs Leeds United star Raphinha for stardom
Paul Merson is baffled by the perception that surrounds Marcelo Bielsa at Leeds United amid a troubled start to the 2021/22 Premier League campaign.
Writing for the Daily Star, the Sky Sports pundit delivered his verdict on the Argentine as well as the club’s Brazilian star, Raphinha.
“I’ve never quite understood this ‘genius’ tag which some people attach to Marcelo Bielsa,” Merson began.
“Don’t get me wrong, I do think he’s good and I totally respect the opinion of a top coach like Pep Guardiola who can’t praise the Leeds boss highly enough.
“But I just don’t get it. Just my opinion but a valid one nonetheless. I don’t buy into it.
“Leeds have hit a brick wall and he needs to change things around. The trouble is, I don’t think he’s got a change in him. Whatever the ‘B’ stands for in Plan B, it’s not Bielsa. He hasn’t got one.”
Offering some praise up for Bielsa, Merson added: “He’s got Patrick Bamford into the England squad when you couldn’t have seen that at one time. Kalvin Phillips is very good and has blossomed under Bielsa and Raphinha could play for anybody you want to name and I’d include the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea in that.”
Right on Raph, wrong on Bielsa
As Merson alludes to, football is full of opinions, and they cannot be considered facts.
However, his article did seem to be over-the-top criticism on Bielsa. The full quotes have not been published above, but it’s pretty much a dossier on why Merson thinks Bielsa is overrated. It spans 500-plus words.
He hits the nail on the head with Raphinha, though.
The 24-year-old has taken the Premier League by storm since signing from Rennes last year, and he is rapidly establishing himself as one of the most talented and consistent wingers in England.
In fact, Liverpool may be the only team where he would struggle to start.
He would certainly give Riyad Mahrez and Raheem Sterling a run for their money at Manchester City while Timo Werner is nowhere near his level for Chelsea.
Leeds will be hopeful he sticks around for a while longer yet, though.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites are set to splash out on transfer fees in ‘the coming months’ after this major development.