Marcelo Bielsa has spoken with the media ahead of the trip to face Crawley Town on Sunday (1.30pm). 

The Leeds United head coach will see his side travel to West Sussex in the Emirates FA Cup, entering at the third round stage. 

Asked for his thoughts on the competition as a whole, Bielsa explained that he knows about the history of the cup and its traditions. 

“For me it represents English football in its purest form,” he said. 

“It allows you to link with the history of the club’s in England, that’s why I am very happy to be in this competition. 

“The sole fact that we have to analyse the opponent we’re going to face, it allows you to take a look into League Two, the stadiums and style of play.

“So this is very good and of course, you see the different players there are at this level.”

On Crawley as an opponent for Sunday, Marcelo has been watching plenty of League One and League Two action during this season, so he has a good idea of what to expect. 

“There are players from Leeds United participating in those leagues,” he explained. 

“I on a weekly basis have a look at their performances and that is my contact with these leagues. 

“Crawley are a team that responds to a direct approach and their defensive organisation is also a tradition.  

“They have two midfielders that have creativeness. They have forwards and wingers with the capacity to unbalance a team.”

The Leeds United head coach gave a team news update, prior to the fixture, specifically being asked about the availability of Liam Cooper and Diego Llorente.

“They’re both ok,” Bielsa stated. 

“Cooper is in conditions to play and whilst Llorente is also in conditions to play if needed, we’re being more cautious with him.  

“Tyler Roberts is not available for this game.”