'Excuse my language' – Alan Shearer delivers verdict on Leeds in the Premier League

Dave is a huge Leeds fan and ardent disciple of Bielsa ball. A career in print magazines that included editing PC Zone, launching PokerPlayer and redesigning The Big Issue has finally led Dave to writing about the love of his life, Leeds United. It’s been a tough 2020 but the single scariest moment was the first quarter of the game against Man City. Rodrigo will be the saviour this season.

Published on:

13 Oct 2020, 5:06 am

Alan Shearer has said that Leeds United couldn't care who they play in the Premier League and that their approach is "so refreshing".

Shearer also claimed that Leeds v Man City was a "brilliant advert" for the Premier League and that the workrate from Marcelo Bielsa's side is "phenomenal".

Shearer was talking in his first interview with The Athletic since being unveiled as the latest addition to their team.

"Pressing is a phenomenon now," Shearer said, "and it’s not just the top few teams that do it.

"You look at Leeds coming up from the Championship playing that way under Bielsa and they have come up to the Premier League and they’re doing exactly the same.

"I love his approach and the way that — excuse my language — they don’t give a [censored] - who they’re up against.

"It was so refreshing to see them go to Anfield and play the way they did. Then to see them play the way they did against Manchester City, that was a brilliant advert for the Premier League to see two teams going at each other like that. It’s so refreshing.

"Their work rate is phenomenal."

High praise for Bielsa

Leeds have been turning heads ever since their first game back in the Premier League, when they narrowly lost 4-3 to Liverpool.

Some had been saying that they'd need to change their game against teams like Liverpool and Man City, but the swashbuckling approach that won Leeds the Championship is working in the top-flight.

The first 20 minutes against Man City was dodgy and we thought Leeds might get overrun.

However, we should have had faith in Bielsa. Leeds steadied the ship and then Bielsa could have won the game with the introduction of Ian Poveda in the second half. A 1-1 draw was more than fair.

Other sides have tried a similar approach in the Premier League. Norwich did but went straight back down.

The difference is Bielsa, and his meticulous coaching has turned the Leeds squad into a side that can give anyone a game.

And the style of football they play has won admiration from many, with Shearer the latest to heap praise on the way the game is played at Elland Road.

It's well deserved.

In other Leeds United news, Radrizzani reacts to talkSPORT post slamming Man United after 'disgusting' development

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Alan Shearer