Stan Collymore looking forward to meeting Bielsa as Leeds invite him to training
Stan Collymore has revealed in his latest Mirror column that Leeds United have invited him to their training ground to see what Marcelo Bielsa and the club are doing.
The former Liverpool striker never hesitates to speak his mind and has been one of the Whites’ critics this season after their woeful start to 2021-22.
Collymore is open to meeting the Argentine, and has shared the three questions he would love to ask him as he is left baffled by Leeds sticking to their style of play despite the unimpressive results against the bigwigs.
He said: “I’m done with the excuses Leeds fans are coming up with to defend their Messiah Marcelo Bielsa.
“When will the excuses stop, and the honesty start?
“Leeds have invited me to their training ground to see what Marcelo and the club are all about, which is very kind, and I’d love to.
“It’s not that I’m not a fan of Bielsa. I am a fan of people who have innovative ideas on the way the game should be played. Fast-paced, attacking, hard-working, press high up, fluid and make chances.
“But how, after a 4-1 against Arsenal, a 7-0 against City, can you not put your hands up and say I will revise my style and show a little pragmatic streak.
“I’d love to take up that invite to Thorpe Arch, see training and pose three questions. Why, aged 60-odd did he think having such a small squad was prudent, given this league is like a Grand National, exhausting, with loads of hurdles.
“Do you give them plenty of rest? And if not do you think burnout is an issue.
“And do you feel as a coach, even in your 60s, you can always learn different things from other coaches that can make you better as a manager?”
Interesting
It is good to see the west Yorkshire outfit send an invite to one of their critics, and while they are not likely to hand one to Gabriel Agbonlahor, that they want to allow Collymore into their inner chambers speaks volumes.
Bielsa most likely approves of it, and it will be interesting to hear the details of the former striker’s trip if it happens.
The Argentine does not owe anyone an explanation over his style and philosophy go, but he will be keen to make some things clear to the pundit.
Leeds face Liverpool at Anfield on Boxing Day, and will be looking to avoid defeat.
That could be a tough ask if they play against Jurgen Klopp’s men as they have done in their last two games, though.
Luckily for Bielsa, the Merseysiders have injury concerns of their own, with some of their key players missing Sunday’s (19 December) 2-2 draw against Tottenham Hotspur.
That could just give them a chance of getting something, and another heavy defeat is the last thing they need right now.
In other Leeds United news, Whites chiefs recently jetted out of the UK for talks.