Marcelo Bielsa Leeds

#PLStories- Marcelo Bielsa gives team news for Patrick Bamford, Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips #LUFC

MARCELO Bielsa rules out Patrick Bamford as he gives an update ahead of what could be a hugely depleted squad visiting St Mary’s. Leeds United will be without their star striker while Kalvin Phillips remains a doubt, after he withdrew from England’s international squad before the break. The boss confirmed it speaking ahead of the Saints match, saying: “Patrick Bamford won't play. Kalvin Phillips has a chance of being able to do so. "(On Phillips) we will decide today, tomorrow and Saturday." However, those aren’t the only limitations for the Argentine boss – Brazilian attacker Raphinha has been one of Leeds’ most influential players with three goals this season. But he is due to play for his country in World Cup qualifying against Uruguay, which kicks off late tonight or in the early hours of tomorrow morning depending on how you view it (1:30AM). "There is no doubt that it's a short turnaround (between the games)," Bielsa admitted. "The options he has to participate in the game on Saturday depends on whether he plays this final game tonight, how many minutes he plays, how he finishes the game after participating in it.” He continued: “How efficient his rest in the next 36 hours is, considering that a third of those hours he will spend on a flight and if there is any risk that fatigue could cause injuries then we won't risk it. “There are so many aspects to consider that I can't offer you any certainty either way." Robin Koch and Luke Ayling also remain injured and unavailable to Bielsa.
Patrick Bamford

#PLStories- #MarceloBielsa hails the dedication of #PatrickBamford after striking against Saints #SAINTSFC

MARCELO Bielsa insisted goalscorer Patrick Bamford will be positive about his season even if it does not end in England selection following Leeds’ 2-0 win at Saints. The game looked to be heading for a draw until Bamford poked the ball through the legs of Saints goalkeeper Alex McCarthy to give his side a 73rd-minute lead. The striker had only one top-flight goal to his name before this season, despite spells at Crystal Palace, Norwich, Burnley and Middlesbrough, with his solitary strike coming for the latter against Southampton in May 2017. Tuesday’s goal at St Mary’s was Bamford’s 16th of the season and does no harm to his chances of securing a place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the Euros. Substitute Tyler Roberts then sealed victory in added time when he tapped the ball into the back of the net. “Patrick had a very generous performance with a lot of effort and he’s had a season in which he’s shone and I’m sure he’ll be very positive about the campaign he’s had, be what may,” Bielsa said. “Everything that he’s achieved this season is because of the dedication and effort that he’s put in to show off his abilities.” Victory on the south coast guarantees a top-10 finish for Leeds following last season’s promotion. On Roberts’ first Premier League goal, the Leeds boss added: “I was happy that he scored because he had played many games and hadn’t managed to do it. “The team in the second half looked a lot more like the team that it is.”