Marcelo Bielsa delivers verdict on Leeds winger Jack Harrison
Leeds United will face Norwich City in the Premier League clash on Sunday at Carrow Road.
The Whites are struggling badly in the Premier League, managing just one win thus far.
They are up against Norwich who are rock-bottom in the league. In a way, the match can be billed as an early relegation three-pointer.
Ahead of the match, Bielsa has delivered his honest opinion on Jack Harrison, who has been performing well below expectations.
The 24-year-old joined the Whites in the summer on a permanent deal from Manchester City for a reported fee of £11m [BBC Sport] in July 2021.
Bielsa has suggested that Harrison hasn’t played well, but it would be unfair to criticise him publicly. The Argentine has admitted that several players of his team have underperformed, but he is confident that Harrison will come good.
“You ask me a question where you know that I can’t praise his performances up until now,” said Bielsa, as quoted by Leeds Live.
“But what’s happening to Harrison is happening to all our players in the squad where they have better or worse moments and nobody is able to maintain a regular consistency in their performances especially when they are playing in attack.
“Harrison is a player with a lot of resources to be able to play on both wings and we’ve enjoyed his contributions. Harrison will continue to shine or will shine again in proportion to the faculties that he has and it’s my job to put him in situations in the game where he’s able to shine and to make him as important as I feel that he is. Of course any question that invites public criticism for my players, I reject.”
Big match
Harrison has been fantastic for the Whites in previous seasons.
Bielsa is spot on with his assessment. Harrison has made seven appearances in the Premier League so far, but he is yet to score or register an assist.
In the league cup, he has scored twice and bagged an assist in two matches.
Harrison is a versatile player who can operate on both wings. Leeds have been below par this season, and several key players have underperformed, including Harrison.
This is a massive game for Leeds. They must win these types of games, otherwise, the pressure will continue to mount on Bielsa.
Against Wolves and against Arsenal (in EFL Cup), Leeds showed enough quality, but they are struggling to convert their chances. Bielsa must ensure they pick up all three points this weekend.
It will be interesting to see how Leeds shape up against the Canaries as the likes of Junior Firpo, Raphinha, Jamie Shackleton, and Kalvin Phillips are expected to feature.
In other Leeds United news, it’s been confirmed this star player will miss the trip to Norwich on Sunday.