‘I’m not too sure’: Merson makes controversial claim about Leeds’ away fans and Bielsa

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Paul Merson has controversially told Sportskeeda that he is ‘not too sure’ that Leeds United away fans are ‘particularly thrilled’ with their style of play under Marcelo Bielsa.

The outspoken TV pundit was naming his top five Premier League managers, at this moment in time, and he left Leeds’ main man in the dugout out of that list.

Ever since Bielsa has stepped foot into Yorkshire, he has transformed the club and brought back hope that the glory years can return.

Along the way, Leeds have become an all-action, 100 miles-per-hour and attack-minded team.

But Merson doesn’t think, as he highlighted a couple of heavy defeats last season, the Leeds away fans like to see that when they are getting thumped at places like Old Trafford.

“Marcelo Bielsa has done an exceptional job with Leeds United,” said Merson.

“But it has to be acknowledged that there are not many teams in the world suited to his management style.

“Bielsa takes his time to build teams and he still has some work to do on his results in the Premier League. Leeds United is a great watch for us neutrals.

“But I’m not too sure if travelling Leeds fans would be particularly thrilled with their club’s massive defeats against Manchester United and Leicester City.”

Well, to Leeds fans, Bielsa is highly thought of and nothing will ever change their mind in that regard.

There’s no doubt that they were a little top-heavy for large parts of last season, but the key thing is that, from a defensive aspect, they improved as the season went on.

This is just the start, and what Leeds fans saw last season, they will take every day of the week.

The aim will be to take more steps forward next season and they will need to be tighter at the back, no doubt, but that’s not going to stop Bielsa from entertaining those who pay to watch them play.