Marcelo Bielsa has opened up on why Leeds are conceding so many goals this season as the club prepare to face Liverpool at Anfield.
Leeds travel to face Liverpool in the Premier League tomorrow evening, looking to bounce back from a four-game winless run that has left the side just five points above the bottom three.
Leeds have endured a difficult season with a number of key absentees and a host of defensive issues, with only Norwich having conceded more than their 50 goals in the Premier League this season.
Bielsa’s side conceded four times to lose an entertaining clash with Manchester United on Sunday and ahead of a fixture with the league’s leading scorers, the Argentine has discussed his side’s poor defensive record.
“I did not say the defence needed to improve, I said the defensive system needed to improve,” Bielsa told his pre-match press conference.
“The consistency the players in midfield offer allows us to strengthen the defensive system.
“The characteristics of the players in the midfield give it a more defensive or offensive profile. I said all of this to explain because we have conceded 50 goals, second most conceded in the league.
“I have to account for this because I am responsible. I wanted to explain in the game against Manchester United we did not have Phillips, Koch or Pascal. Three players who take on the role of defensive midfielder to solidify them. We don’t resolve that with bringing signings in. If not, we would four players for that position.
“Imagine being able to count on all three for that position. It’s a privilege. At the same time, occasionally situations like this are presented. Strangely, the fourth player in that role is the best player of the team in the second half, Forshaw.
“Analysing the last game, we created eight chances at goal and the opponent created eight chances at goal as well. They managed to score double the goals we did. When I analyse the defensive behaviour, I refer to the structure I generate. After you have to analyse why? What are the real reasons and how to avoid this from happening? That’s my function and when you have played these games and these goals the conclusions are clear.”
