Marcelo Bielsa feels partly responsible for Helder Costa’s departure from Leeds United
Marcelo Bielsa has admitted that he feels partly responsible for Helder Costa’s departure from Leeds United.
The winger joined Valencia on loan on transfer deadline day after two years at Elland Road, in which he never quite hit the heights of his time at Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The 27-year-old initially joined on loan before the move was made permanent the following summer, and he made 71 appearances and scored eight goals and provided 11 assists. However, this is expected to be the end of his time with the Whites [Leeds Live].
Bielsa speaking in his pre-match press conference said: “Helder was very important for us; I think he should have had more weight in the team than he did.
“He had the resources to make better performances than the ones he made, and in that way, I feel somewhat responsible we weren’t able to collaborate to [best] show his resources.
“Helder is one of the most serious professionals I have met throughout my career; he [always did] what I asked of him to try and be important in the team.
“That’s why I’m saddened he’s left, and I always hoped he would be able to show his resources in proportion to what they are.”
Bielsa harsh on himself.
The winger was provided with ample opportunities by the Argentine, and he failed to deliver on too many occasions.
Even in the Championship, Costa struggled for goals and top performances, and in the Premier League, after a bright start, he faded away.
The arrival of Raphinha meant that Costa found himself on the bench, and when he was given a chance, he failed to make any impact.
During the Whites’ 3-0 defeat to Crawley in the FA Cup, the winger started the game and was useless, which just about sums up his time at Elland Road [Yorkshire Evening Post].
Unfortunately, for whatever reason, the move just didn’t work out for either party, and it is best that he has moved on.
Bielsa sounds very sad and almost implies that he let Costa down, but we don’t believe he did, and it was more down to the winger failing to deliver than the Argentine failing.
In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay reveals the next Leeds player set for a departure.