Marcelo Bielsa comments on doubts and pressure from Leeds United supporters

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Marcelo Bielsa has told his pre-Middlesbrough press conference – as quoted by the YEP – that the confidence from supporters in his Leeds United side has improved, after successive wins over Bristol City and Reading.

Leeds take on a struggling Middlesbrough at the Riverside on Wednesday night after Pablo Hernandez scored the only goal in a 1-0 win over Reading. The Whites have re-opened a gap between second and third, stretching it to five points.

However, before the last three games in which Leeds have secured seven points, the Whites suffered five defeats in six games. It saw them lose a gap between second and third that was more than 10 points at one stage.

Asked if Leeds had won fans back over, Bielsa said fans look for results while the manager looks for performances – but also stated that the two work in tandem. If the results come, the supporters ease on the pressure, and the performances improve.

“There are two kinds of doubts – about the result and the style of play. Usually managers pay more attention about how the teams play and the supporters they care more about result. When you have good results it strengthens confidence all around the team,” Bielsa said.

Next up for Leeds is Jonathan Woodgate’s Middlesbrough, who after a brief resurgence earlier this year, have now gone eight Championship fixtures without picking up three points. On Saturday, Boro lost to Barnsley 1-0.

Bielsa stated that he could be without goalkeeper Kiko Casilla who is overcoming inflammation of a hand injury. Kalvin Phillips confirmed he had a dead calf on Instagram, and he too is looking to overcome the pain in order to play against Boro.

The last time the two sides met at Elland Road, Leeds eased past the Teesside club with a comfortable 4-0 win.