Marcelo Bielsa: They created too many chances in the first half

Marcelo Bielsa: They created too many chances in the first half

Head coach on Brighton & Hove Albion draw.

Leeds United head coach Marcelo Bielsa spoke to the media following Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Brighton & Hove Albion.

The Whites have now lost just once in four matches, after picking up another point on the road at the American Express Community Stadium.

Bielsa gave his thoughts on the match, explaining how the two halves differed.

“In the first half, the differences were clear,” said Bielsa.

“In the second half, the game was even, with opportunities for both teams and we improved in everything.

“In the first half there was a lack of organisation and a lot of things for us to correct, but in no way do I think it is linked to the players who came on or came off.

“It was just down to the fact in the first half we weren’t a team co-ordinated and in the second half, the function collectively improved.

“They created too many chances in the first half and there were too few from us.

“The differences in the first half worry us and the recovery in the second half gives us optimism and hope.

“In the second half we managed to look a lot more like our usual selves, without managing to shine or unbalance them.”

Bielsa also revealed why he decided to replace England international Kalvin Phillips at half time.

He said: “It was a change because I thought the characteristics of Pascal Struijk were better suited to the game.

“The game positionally had a lot in similar to the game against Tottenham Hotspur.

“I thought forming a back four of Kalvin Phillips, Diego Llorente, Liam Cooper and Junior Firpo would help us to neutralise Brighton.

“I associated their number 11 with Son and their number nine with Kane and their number two with Moura due to their position and function they had.

“We started the game like that, but it wasn’t the correct decision.”

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