Marcelo Bielsa takes the blame for Leeds’ defensive failings after West Ham defeat

Leeds are 11th but have the third-worst defensive record in the division

Manasi Pathak
Tuesday 09 March 2021 04:15 EST
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Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa
Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa (Pool via REUTERS)

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Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa said he had to take some of the blame for his side’s defensive failings after they were beaten by high-flying West Ham United.

Goals from Jesse Lingard and Craig Dawson handed Leeds a fourth defeat in five games on Monday night.

The Yorkshire club, who returned to the top flight this season after a 16-year absence, are 11th but have the third-worst defensive record, conceding 46 goals in 27 games.

Only Crystal Palace (47) and West Bromwich Albion (56) have conceded more.

“When a team concedes as many goals as we do, I can’t ignore that reality,” Bielsa said afterwards.

“Having defenders who have played so well, you wonder why we concede so many.

“In this case, there’s a responsibility from myself because if you have good footballers to recover the ball and the team concedes, inadvertently the coach is involved.”

Leeds host fourth-placed Chelsea on Saturday.

Reuters

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