Leeds: Bielsa praised for 'not moaning' like rival PL managers

Former Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa has been praised by Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge for the way he dealt with the lack of players available to him over the Christmas period.

Several Premier League teams had games called off following a number of absentees through Covid-19 and injuries, although the Elland Road outfit were one of a few sides to continue fulfilling their fixtures.

There was one game in particular against Arsenal in December that Leeds had just nine senior players available. As a result, Bielsa was forced to start the game with 20-year-old right-back Cody Drameh and 19-year-old Joe Gelhardt.

With 10 players on the treatment table, Bielsa also had to name a youthful bench, which included 15-year-old Archie Gray, who’s never made an appearance in senior football.

As a result, Mikel Arteta’s side ran out 4-1 winners, although Bielsa’s side put up a good fight and briefly made a game of things late in the second-half when Raphinha thumped home a penalty.

On the same day, the rest of the Premier League programme was called off, although Bielsa said that it was right that the game went ahead despite being forced to name a depleted squad.

Ironically, Arsenal’s trip to Tottenham last month was postponed due to the Gunners having a limited amount of players available, despite having just a couple of Covid-19 cases.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “I have to say, when managers were getting games called off left, right and centre, Bielsa had a 15-year-old on the bench [against Arsenal], and I didn’t hear much moaning. He’s a let’s get on with it kind of guy.”

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Leeds’ injury crisis has eased up since that Arsenal game, but they’re still without