Marcelo Bielsa delivers incredible presentation to press as Leeds United boss admits he has ‘spied’ on every opponent this season

Marcelo Bielsa delivers incredible presentation to press as Leeds United boss admits he has ‘spied’ on every opponent this season
Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa has sensationally revealed that he has sent a staff member to watch all of their opponents’ training sessions this season – but hasdefended his methods and insisted they are not illegal.Bielsa called an impromptu press conference on Wednesday in response to investigations launched by the Football Association and the English Football League into his practices afterthe ‘spygate’ incident, where he employed a scout to watch Derby train ahead of their Championship clash last Friday.3

Marcelo Bielsa called an impromptu press conference on Wednesday

3

Frank Lampard and Derby were furious over the incident

There had been fears among Leeds fans that the Argentine would quit the club after the press conference was called, with reports then circulating he was set to call time on his spell in Yorkshire.However, Bielsa used the conference to address the spying row further, going into detail about the methods he has used throughout this season with an hour-long PowerPoint presentation.He said: “I’m going to make it easier for the EFL investigation. I’m going to make it easier for them and I assume my behaviour is observed from the most extreme position.“I observed all the rivals we played against. We watched all the training sessions before we played them.

| Marcelo now walks the press through video analysis of an opponents offensive actions, explaining how it totals 40 minutes, which is then broken down into 8 minute clips for the players pic.twitter.com/juLwE0NEGo— Leeds United (@LUFC) January 16, 2019

MB going into detail on his homework on Derby #lufc pic.twitter.com/Wkchni9RyN— Adam Pope (@apopey) January 16, 2019

“My goal is to make this easier for the investigation. By doing this I assume the possible sanctions by the authorities.“I don’t want to compare my situation with previous similar incidents.“I don’t want to make it easier for me by attacking others. Regarding what I’ve done – it is not illegal. It’s not specified, described or restrained.“Regarding what I’ve done, it’s not illegal. It’s not specified, it’s not described, it’s not restrained. We can discuss it, it’s not seen as a good thing, but it’s not a violation of the law.

'SPYGATE' TIMELINE OF EVENTS

January 10 – A day before the Rams host Bielsa’s league-leaders at Pride Park an employee of Leeds was spotted outside the Derby training ground. The police were called and Derby later released a statement confirming the chain of events.January 11 – The FA announce they are to investigate the incident, with the statement released shortly before goals from Kemar Roofe and Jack Harrison secure a 2-0 win for Leeds.Lampard speaks after the game, saying that sending someone to spy on the training of his side was “over the line” and that he would “rather not coach” than employ similar tactics.January 12 – Leeds formally address the incident and confirm they offered an apology to Derby and would “remind head coach Marcelo Bielsa of his responsibilities.”January 15 – The EFL launch a “formal investigation” into the incident.January 16 – Bielsa holds an impromptu press briefing where he says he has “observed” every opponent this season and that he will help the EFL with their investigation – adding his side did not get an advantage and that “it’s not seen as a good thing, but it is not a violation of the law. Although not illegal it is not necessarily the right thing to do”

#LUFC BIELSA…. safe to say theres no doubt whatsoever that Marcelo Bielsa does comprehensive homework! pic.twitter.com/XoUJ4OhxvZ— West Yorkshire Sport (@WYSdaily) January 16, 2019

“The wrong things you do are not done with bad intention or an intention to cheat. If you observe something without authorisation we call it spying.“I’m going to try and explain I did not have bad intentions.“I did not try to get an unfair sporting advantage. But I did it because it was not illegal or violating specific laws.“As Lampard (Derby boss Frank Lampard) says, he doesn’t believe I have bad intentions.“He believes I violated the fair play spirit so I have to adapt to the rules and habits of English football.”3

Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa has caused a stir

Bielsa has been heavily criticised by some rival managers and television pundits, while retaining the full support of others.The 63-year-old said he was expecting to be punished by the FA and EFL, but felt compelled to give greater insight into his coaching methods in an effort to convince them he was not cheating.He said all the information he gained from having rival clubs watched in training had already been gathered by his backroom staff’s extensive research.Bielsa also said a lot of it was not necessary when preparing his team.“So why do we do that? Because we feel guilty if we don’t work enough,” he added. “Because it allows us not to have too much anxiety and we think by gathering information we feel we get closer to a win.“In my case, it’s because I’m stupid enough to allow myself this kind of behaviour.“In a few words I will tell you something that is not easy to explain – how we analyse each opponent without having to watch their training session.”Bielsa went on to reveal the extraordinary level of research which went into his match-day preparation.

#LUFC BIELSA: As were going to play against Stoke, its hard to analyse them with a new head coach. So we analyse the 26 games he played with Luton & the structures he used pic.twitter.com/NKaaXB2j9f— West Yorkshire Sport (@WYSdaily) January 16, 2019

Before Friday’s game Bielsa and his staff had watched all of Derby’s 51 games the previous season, with each match taking four hours to analyse.All opponents’ games are watched on video and broken down into five-minute spells to show which side is dominating, while Bielsa has data on every Championship player, including how many minutes each has played in certain positions.Bielsa admitted he was embarrassed by the depth of his analysis, adding: “I know that people laugh at you when you create this much data.“When you have strong data, it allows you to make a caricature of the one who is saying that.”Leeds’ next opponents Stoke appointed Nathan Jones as their new manager last week and Bielsa revealed his staff had watched all 26 of his former club Luton’s games this season.“I give this explanation to make you understand why I think I am not cheating, by doing something that is not illegal,” he added.“I know I am not trying to get an advantage. I already have the information. I repeat: Why do I do it? Because I think I’m stupid. Thank you for your patience.”

---

Just six weeks after making his West Ham first team bow in the Carabao Cup against Macclesfield Town, Grady Diangana has been rewarded with his first international call up. The 20-year-old has been selected by the England U20s setup for their friendly against Germany in Colchester on November 19 and joins former U23 teammate Nathan Trott in the
Chelsea transfer news: Blues starlet Callum Hudson-Odoi

---

Piers Morgan has challenged Arsenal star Mesut Ozil to 'step up' and put in a 'big performance' in Sunday's north London derby against Tottenham. The Gunners super fan has described the
What Mesut Ozil's departure from Arsenal would mean for the

---

6 things Tottenham need to do to win a trophy next season. of all that has been good in the last five years and must do everything he can to make sure he stays in north London. club around
Video: "Five Things The Saints Must Do To Turn Their Season

---

Celtic news: Green Brigade 'ultras' group issue statement

---

- Tottenham fans absolutely loved Ben Davies' performance against Arsenal Thursday, 20 December 2018 There was plenty for Tottenham Hotspur fans to get excited about after their Carabao Cup win over Arsenal.
Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur fined for failing to control

---

Keep up to date with the latest Tottenham Hotspur news, features and exclusives from football.london via our free WhatsApp service. Text NEWS to 07776197989 and then add the number to your phone contacts book as spurs dot london (case sensitive, with spaces) to receive daily updates and breaking news from Alasdair Gold and the team on Spurs.
(Video) Every word of Mauricio Pochettino's pre-Watford press

---

May 03, 2019 · Ole Gunnar Solskjaer insists Manchester United could attract top players even without Champions league qualification Save Solksjaer faces a huge rebuilding job at Old Trafford this summer Credit
Solskjaer insists players should be proud of record

---

Thierry Henry gives Monaco player killer stare for not tucking chair in ESPN; Thierry Henry glares at Benoit Badiashile as Monaco defender forgets to tuck his chair in after press conference Talksport
WATCH: Thierry Henry glares at young defender after leaving

---

Welcome to the Evening Standard's LIVE blog dedicated to the latest transfer news and rumours. Transfer news, rumours and today's football gossip | January 5, 2019. Chelsea are said to be close to sealing a complicated loan agreement which will bring Gonzalo Higuain to Stamford Bridge.
Latest Chelsea transfer rumours: Higuain 'done', Paredes

---

Marcus Rashford: 'I don't even think he's a Premier League footballer', says angry Manchester United fan on ta 'I DON'T RATE HIM' Ricky, an avid Red Devils supporter, has had enough of the England striker - who he claims isn't even a 'Premier League footballer'
Marcus Rashford: 'I don't even think he's a Premier League

---

West Ham United news: Samir Nasri's future hangs in the balance with decision over new contract to come at end of the season. so we will see at the end of the season."
West Ham United news: Samir Nasri's future hangs in the

---

Cristiano Ronaldo vents frustration at Juventus teammates

---