Leeds United defence channelling Bielsa days by making most of home comforts as positive stat emerges
Leeds United supporters still, rightly, wax lyrical about the days of Marcelo Bielsa.
The legendary Argentinian coach is a maverick, a dream, a visionary, a man who brought joy to English football fans beyond the terraces of Elland Road.
Since his departure Leeds have struggled to replicate those halcyon days, though Daniel Farke is going someway to bringing the good times back to the club.
And one stat was shared by Opta’s Jonny Cooper on Sunday (9 October) that will particularly please supporters as Leeds look to bounce immediately back to the Premier League.
“Leeds United haven’t conceded a goal in open play in over 500 minutes of league football at Elland Road (501), their longest run at home since going 590 minutes without conceding in open play between January and June 2020 under Marcelo Bielsa,” he wrote.
The old cliche is that championships are built on defences, and given it has been a problem area for Leeds in recent seasons it will be a welcome sign to fans to see the team performing so well in this area.
The arrival of Joe Rodon has had a great effect and his blossoming partnership with Pascal Struijk is one Farke will hope can continue to improve and help towards the ultimate goal of promotion.
And if nothing else, it is also nice to see comparisons to the Bielsa days. If they can match those glory days over the coming seven months then boy Leeds supporters are in for a treat.
Saturday’s (7 October) 2-1 win over Bristol City means Leeds are fifth as we enter the international break, so things are certainly trending in the right direction.
In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay has issued a £1.5m Middlesbrough update on midfielder Sam Greenwood.