Paul Merson comments on Jean-Kevin Augustin, urges Leeds assistant to confront manager

Add as preferred source on Google

Paul Merson has told Sky Sports’ The Debate that Leeds United assistant manager Diego Flores needs to have a strong word with manager Marcelo Bielsa – and has questioned the signing of Jean-Kevin Augustin.

Leeds are coming under intense scrutiny and pressure after winning just two of their last 10 Championship matches. Indeed, the likes of Kiko Casilla and Patrick Bamford are being criticised, while some supporters are becoming frustrated with Bielsa.

Bamford is likely to get the nod against Brentford on Tuesday night at Griffin Park, with Bielsa getting heated in a recent press conference over whether new signing Augustin would start. He has stated that Augustin must learn the Bielsa way, first.

England icon Merson has commented on Leeds, and has urged assistant manager Flores to confront Bielsa and question the manager’s stubbornness in order to change something – before questioning the signing of Augustin from RB Leipzig.

“They lack the cutting edge. You talk about the lad Augustin, he’s never kicked a ball in England. It could take three months [to get up to speed]. Leeds haven’t got three months. It is a shame. You look at Leeds and you think, not again,” Merson said.

“They fill the ground out. This is where you’d like a strong number two to say to the manager, ‘I know you’re great, but we need to change something’.”

TBR’s view – Leeds need just one win to get back on track

A win on Tuesday night would be a massive result. Three points in London would not only see Leeds pick up three points, but also end their London hoodoo and rid themselves of a whole load of pressure from fans and pundits alike.

It would also solidify their places in the top two and could be the starting base to get the Whites back on track – in their bid to end a 16-year wait for top-flight football. A win at Brentford, though, is going to be enormously tough.

Not only are Brentford firing with Bryan Mbuemo, Said Benrahma and Ollie Watkins in attack, but Pontus Jansson’s leadership and Thomas Frank’s tactical nous has made the Bees a real prospect for promotion.