‘It is remarkable’ – Journalist makes Bielsa claim after stating Augustin ‘absolutely not unfit’
There’s a big difference between fit and ‘Bielsa fit’ according to Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Joe Urquhart.
Leeds United fans are desperate to see more of new striker Jean-Kevin Augustin, but the January signing is being used sparingly by Marcelo Bielsa at the moment.
He’s come on for the last 15 minutes of the previous three games without getting on the scoresheet.
Bielsa has said that it will take time for Augustin to get up to speed but fans are worried that time is running out this season.
Augustin has declared himself fit and 100% ready to play but that’s not enough for Bielsa.
Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Urquhart said it was evident that Augustin, despite being fit, is not as fit as any of the other Leeds players and is not as fit as Bielsa wants.
Talking on the latest episode of the Inside Elland Road podcast Urquhart said, “This isn’t a knock on Augustin but it’s very evident when you put someone who hasn’t been working in the Bielsa system for six months or a year, for example, when they come into the team they look unfit even when they’re absolutely not unfit, they’re professional footballers.
“Augustin is ripped when you see him but he’s not Bielsa fit, there’s a massive gap there.
“It’s evident when you see Augustin come on that he’s not as fit as anyone else on the pitch.
“It is remarkable when you’ve got a professional footballer who’s played in some of Europe’s top leagues and is still not as fit as the players we’ve been watching for 18 months.”
Bielsa fit – how long?
Fitness is a huge thing for Bielsa. In our view it’s a big part of why Bielsa was able to take a squad that finished 13th in the Championship to within a whisker of promotion last season.
It can be frustrating for fans but they need to look at the bigger picture and trust in Bielsa.
It’s obvious that Augustin isn’t as fit as Bamford. Is he a better finisher? We would hope so, but Bamford provides a lot to this Leeds team.
The Leeds Under-23 game was postponed on Monday and we think that’s a blow to Augustin, who would have likely been given 45 minutes to keep working on his match fitness.
Bielsa said he wanted him at 70% and we don’t think he’s there yet.
As it is, we think there’s no chance of Augustin starting against Reading on Saturday. Supporters will have to do with watching him from off the bench late on again.
In other Leeds United news, ‘Oh dear god no’ – Some Leed fans react to EFL update for clash v Reading