Mens

Marcelo Bielsa: I am always optimistic

Head coach ahead of trip to face Chelsea.

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Marcelo Bielsa has spoken with the media ahead of Saturday’s trip to Stamford Bridge, where his side will face Chelsea.

The Leeds United squad has fresh injury concerns this weekend, with Kalvin Phillips, Patrick Bamford, Rodrigo and Liam Cooper all facing time out. However, Robin Koch looks to now up his preparations for a return to action.

On the players missing and possible available options to him as replacements, Bielsa gave his thoughts on the side.

“The time that they will be out for will be subject to their evolution,” he explained.

“The average of players that we’ve had out has always been around four players, with some short periods where we’ve had five or six.

“I think we’re going to recover Koch. Pascal Struijk and Charlie Cresswell, when he’s had to play, have also given positive responses.

“Tyler Roberts is evolving in the centre of the attack, Mateusz Klich is also an option as an offensive midfielder.

“Adam Forshaw has played as a defensive midfielder before and he has done it well. Of course, we didn’t expect to resolve the problems of four injuries and have four new injuries.

“But, I am always optimistic and I always work so the difficulties harm us at least as possible and this is the same. Things happen to us, but these things also happen to our opponents.”

Chelsea will be another tough challenge as the Whites head into a busy run of matches of fixtures over the festive period, facing many of the top teams.

Beginning with Chelsea, Bielsa said: “The performance from yesterday [3-3 with Zenit in the Champions League] was with a mixed squad, it doesn’t represent their true strength.

“The game against West Ham, which was a defeat, you have to watch it and analyse it to see if the result coincides with what they deserve. I don’t see a lowering in their play.

“Each of the games we are going to come up against, we face teams where points are at stake.

“Whether that be drawing or winning, we will prepare ourselves with a lot of hopes. The hopes and desires are increased because they are very big opponents.

“To be able to get points in those games has added value. We’re going to go into each of these games with desire.”

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