Bielsa raves about one Leicester player ahead of Leeds clash v Foxes
Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa has hailed the quality of Leicester striker Jamie Vardy but admitted his side won’t make any special plans to stop the Foxes ace.
Vardy scored in mid-week as Leicester defeated AEK Athens in the Europa League, adding to the six goals he has scored in his side’s six Premier League games this season.
But, speaking to Sky Sports ahead of Monday’s meeting between the two sides, Bielsa said that he won’t change his side in an effort to deal with the England international.
He said, “Leicester are a team who manage the ball well and they have a spirit to attack, Vardy is a very good player, who scores lots of goals and he’s very quick.
“Of course, we take into account all the characteristics of the opponent’s attackers, but there is not going to be any particular change with that in mind.”
This is a bold statement from the Leeds boss as Vardy is undoubtedly one of the deadliest finishers in the league and is more than capable of putting a couple past Illan Meslier.
Only Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Tottenham’s Son Heung-Min have more goals in the Premier League than Vardy this season, though Leeds’ own Patrick Bamford is level with the Leicester forward after his hattrick against Aston Villa. But it is worth noting that Vardy has played a game less than the Leeds man.
There is attacking quality in both sides and it could well be a case of whoever’s defence is strongest will win Monday’s game. In that regard, Leeds look to have a defensive boost as Liam Cooper could return to Bielsa’s side.
Leeds could overtake the Foxes in the table if they beat Brendan Rodgers’ side on Monday and they could propel themselves back into the top four after spending a day there last weekend following their convincing win at Villa Park.
Hopefully, the Leeds defence can keep Vardy quiet at Elland Road and Bielsa can prove that his side are more than capable of defending against Leicester in the same manner they usually do.
In other Leeds United news, exclusive: Paul Robinson has been taken aback by Bielsa’s comments on Rodrigo.