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This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
For Leeds, Saturday was the first blow in their pursuit of promotion.
In 2018/19, it took them nine matches to suffer defeat in the league but this time it took them just six.
Losing one game in August is highly unlikely to derail things but in conceding a sloppy goal it summed up some of their losses last season too, specifically in the playoffs.
The international break has probably come at the right time with the focus now being elsewhere for two weeks, but that doesn’t mean Marcelo Bielsa doesn’t have some big things to mull over.
On the chalkboard
In many ways, the Argentine’s approach is admirable. He sticks by his players and that’s never been more evident in not replacing Kiko Casilla over the summer.
The goalkeeper has started well, conceding just three times in the Championship, whilst his refusal to openly criticise those who perhaps don’t perform well is a pleasant trait to have.
At times, it’s been easy to predict the Leeds XI. Bielsa has preferred a 4-1-4-1 formation whilst he even revealed his team ahead of a clash with Wigan.
It was amusing but also a cause for concern. Despite the Whites winning, it gave their opposition an advantage ahead of kick-off.
But it’s now time for Bielsa to bite the bullet. It’s time for the 64-year-old to put aside his stubbornness and change his selection.
The fact he isn’t willing to criticise suggests he could stick with the same sort of side when they face Barnsley after the international break but this cannot be the case.
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This isn’t to say mass change is needed. After all, Leeds dominated against Swansea and on another day they would have swatted them aside with ease.
They boasted over 60% of the possession and had 21 shots yet couldn’t get over the line.
One of the main areas he could look to change is in attack and out wide. Bamford wasted four chances against Swansea whilst Jack Harrison managed just one dribble.
Considering he had six against Stoke, it should come as a slight concern considering the Manchester City loan man has only contributed to one goal this campaign too.
Leeds’ decision to keep a similar XI is currently holding them back and despite the form of Eddie Nketiah and Helder Costa, who have combined for goals twice, they’ve found no route into the starting XI.
Arguably, Bielsa has yet to pick the best team available to him. Until he does, it may continue to hold them back.
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