Marcelo Bielsa responds to Tyler Roberts argument at Leeds United
Marcelo Bielsa has compared the controversy over his continued selection of Tyler Roberts to that seen with other Leeds United players, reports Phil Hay.
The Whites boss has chosen the underperforming striker a number of times over youngster Joe Gelhardt in the absence of Patrick Bamford, much to the chagrin of fans.
Speaking ahead of the visit of Manchester United on Sunday he has acknowledged that he is aware of the supporters’ view and agrees that the 23-year-old needs to provide more for the team.
The Athletic journalist Phil Hay posted on his Twitter account to say: “Bielsa asked about the selection of Roberts. Says he’s aware of what’s being said externally and that he’s seen this before with other players – Bamford, James, Rodrigo etc. “It’s necessary that I take on more responsibility than I did before.”
The manager is then quoted in a follow-up message as saying: “”I see the same things that the fans do. What they ask of him is justified. It’s based on evaluating the player who plays, giving him a qualification. If the qualification’s not positive, they demand another option.”
Words not action
It will not put many fans at ease for the manager to simply agree with their assessment that the Wales striker is underperforming if he continues to select him.
Roberts has made over 100 appearances for the club yet has only scored once each in the past two seasons in the Premier League.
With main striker Bamford still a long-term absentee there continues to be a gap up front, and although Dan James shone in that role against Aston Villa last week, opportunities for the teenager Gelhardt have been restricted.
He has scored a single league goal this season as well but it has come in a quarter of the appearances of Roberts.
Hay himself suggested on today’s (Friday 18 February) Phil Hay Show podcast that the manager’s failure to properly develop the U23s at the club despite the extensive injury issues this season could cause the club to decide against offering a new contract.
Comparing the situation to previous issues that fans have had with other players seems to suggest that the Argentine is ready to stick out the situation, as they are all established members of the first team, despite inconsistencies with Rodrigo and James.
In some quarters patience is beginning to wear a bit thin with Bielsa’s commitment to certain ideas, although most would still be loath to see him depart.
In other Leeds United news, Pascal Struijk has opened up on the “crazy” situation that surrounded Harvey Elliott’s horror-injury.