Marcelo Bielsa voices his Leeds United regret after Newcastle United draw and reflects on new injury issues - YEP 17/9/21
Marcelo Bielsa rued Leeds United's missed chances after what he felt was a dominant performance in a 1-1 draw against Newcastle United at St James' Park.
By Graham Smyth
The Whites went in front through Raphinha early in the first
half and although the goal turned an already unhappy crowd even further against
Magpies boss Steve Bruce, they were unable to press home their advantage and
conceded an equaliser to dangerman Allan Saint-Maximin.
Leeds, who had a strong penalty shout through Dan James,
created a host of chances but were foiled by defensive blocks, keeper Karl
Darlow and wayward finishing.
"It was a game we should have won, according to what
happened in the game," said Bielsa.
"We had a lot of opportunities to score and there were
also a lot of options that didn't end up in danger but it would have been easy
for them to be converted into danger.
"It was true the opponent also had chances. Less than
us and within a transmit that was different. We dominated the game and they
counter attacked. I also would have hoped we would have reduced the amount of
chances the opponent created, that would have established a bigger margin
between the two teams.
"A difference between the teams existed but it could
have been a lot bigger if two things had happened. It would have prevented some
actions they created that were avoidable and if we had increased our efficiency
on one side and the capacity to have created from favourable conditions more
danger."
The game left Bielsa with even more injury problems,
however.
Raphinha came off with a hip problem and Luke Ayling
succumbed to injury late on, having played centre-back in the absence of Diego
Llorente, Robin Koch and Pascal Struik. Jack Harrison missed the game having
tested positive for Covid-19.
"We have four centre-backs and Ayling is number
five," said Bielsa.
"If we have to resolve the absence of four of them then
it is going to be complicated. The same in the position of the wingers. We
count on James, Harrison, Raphinha and Summerville. To lose two of them would
also make it very difficult to resolve.
