Bielsa shares difficult decision he made before Leeds win

Marcelo Bielsa has admitted – in comments reported by Leeds Live – that it was a difficult decision to leave Mateusz Klich out of Leeds United’s starting lineup for their clash with Newcastle United on Tuesday.

Klich has arguably not been at his best in recent weeks. Nevertheless, it was a huge surprise when the most recent Leeds lineup was announced and the Poland international was missing.

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The only starting lineup Klich has previously missed under Bielsa in the league came when Leeds faced Derby County last season having secured promotion just a couple of days earlier.

The 30-year-old did come on during the second-half. And following the game, Bielsa explained the thinking behind leaving Klich out initially.

(Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

“It’s a situation which is to do with the job I do,” he said, as reported by Leeds Live. “Of course, he’s given a lot to Leeds while I’ve been here and yes it was a difficult decision but it’s normal for there to be constant changes.”

The decision ultimately did not hurt Leeds. They beat Newcastle 2-1. And Klich seemed to play a small role in the decisive goal as he occupied an area that left Jack Harrison in acres of space to find the far corner.

In some ways, it will be beneficial for Leeds to win without Klich playing the full 90 minutes. He has been so influential throughout Bielsa’s tenure.

He arguably continues to boast a place in Leeds’ strongest lineup when all of their players are fit. But  having struggled to impress in recent weeks, it may prove an incredibly smart decision to take him somewhat out of the spotlight.