"He and Bielsa.." - Phil Hay reveals big Leeds conflict that will leave fans gutted - opinion

A worrying Leeds United claim has been made regarding how Marcelo Bielsa dealt with Raphinha in the build-up to his exit from Elland Road.

The Athletic’s Phil Hay has dropped a big behind-the-scenes insight into the pair’s relationship in the final weeks before the Argentine head coach departed, with Jesse Marsch quickly coming in to replace him in the dugout.

One fan asked in his Q&A on Saturday: “For me, Will we see Raphinha quickly return to the player before last months demise. People say players hadn’t given up on Bielsa, but Raph was clearly affected at an individual level or questioning Bielsa’s in-game mgmt.”

Hay then replied with an interesting claim: “There was frustration there and he and Bielsa spoke after the Everton game (when Raphinha was subbed at half-time). He’s one player who Marsch needs to start performing quickly.”

Leeds fans will surely be gutted by this claim as it suggests that Marsch may have a difficult job on his hands to get the best out of Raphinha. It is impossible to judge who was in the wrong out of the Brazilian and Bielsa without knowing the full story, but the frustration that he was feeling clearly affected his performances on the pitch.

The forward has one goal and zero assists in his last seven Premier League appearances for Leeds, having bagged eight times and provided two assists in the previous 18 outings. This shows that his levels have dipped in recent weeks and his frayed relationship may have played a part in that.

Therefore, the supporters will be gutted that one of their best players has had his season derailed as it stands because of Bielsa’s management. Whilst it remains to be seen what led to the frustration – aside from being substituted off at half-time – there will