Marcelo Bielsa lauds character of Leeds United teenage pair after penalty win in Carabao Cup at Fulham - YEP 21/9/21
Marcelo Bielsa lauded the character of his two teenage debutants who scored vital penalties in Leeds United's Carabao Cup win at Fulham.
By Graham Smyth
Joe Gelhardt and Stuart McKinstry both hit the target as the
penalty shootout reached sudden death after a goalless draw at Craven Cottage.
Gelhardt had missed from the spot just two days prior for
the Under 23s at Liverpool, but ignored the noise from the Fulham fans at the
Hammersmith End of the ground to hammer the ball high into Marek Rodak's net.
McKinstry took the next one for Leeds and placed it low into
the far left hand corner, giving the keeper no chance.
Illan Meslier then saved from Rodrigo Muniz to give Leeds
6-5 shootout victory and a place in the fourth round.
Bielsa felt it was an 'average performance' and Fulham made
life difficult for his side to pass out from the back. The number of chances
created by the Championship side, who boasted 11 changes to their starting
line-up, concerned the head coach as well.
But he was delighted to see his side through to the next
round, with help from two youngsters making their senior debuts.
"They showed personality and character," said
Bielsa, who chose the penalty takers and arranged the order in which they would
step up.
"Gelhardt had missed his last two penalties, he took on
board the responsibility and managed to score. McKinstry also had to take one
in the most decisive moment and they showed character."
Leeds were without the injured Robin Koch and Diego
Llorente, with Pascal Struijk out injured, and both Patrick Bamford and Luke
Ayling have joined the injured list.
Bielsa was unable to confirm if either Bamford or Ayling
will return to face West Ham United on Saturday at Elland Road.
"Bamford has an injury in his ankle and Ayling in his
knee," he said.
