Marcelo Bielsa: We’re always looking to give the maximum

Marcelo Bielsa: We’re always looking to give the maximum

Head coach ahead of Spurs fixture.

Marcelo Bielsa has spoken with the media, prior to his side taking on Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday. 

The lunchtime kick-off will be the first meeting at Elland Road since 2013, when the Whites won an FA Cup tie against the North London outfit.

With two days to go until the game, Bielsa began by giving an update on the fitness of his squad.  

He said: “Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha are being evaluated on a daily basis to see whether they can be available, we have to wait until Saturday. 

“Their presence is subject to an evaluation that is carried out on a daily basis. 

“Helder Costa won’t be able to compete again this season.”

Spurs can still make it into the Champions League qualification this term. Having recently switched their managerial position, Bielsa was asked whether he has noticed a change in style from Saturday's opponents as they continue their top-four battle.

“The predisposition they had considering what they had to play for, I never imagine it bigger than ours,” explained the Leeds United head coach. 

“I always think we need to go into every game protecting everything that is put in play every time we compete.

“It is not only what you’re fighting for that gives potential to a team, it is not only the position in the table, but the pride that it is to take part in a game in high competition and overcome it.

“It’s the same players and a similar distribution. Of course, if you beat an opponent by four goals, the evaluation increases. 

“It’s not the same to evaluate them after the final against Manchester City, then after this game [the 4-0 win against Sheffield United]. We can’t deny that the 4-0 victory showed that they are in a different type of form. 

“We’re always looking to give the maximum that we are capable of giving.”

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