Even though Leeds are a newly-promoted side, it’s pretty apparent how different their style of play is to Newcastle United’s.
Former Premier League manager Tim Sherwood did admit to Premier League Productions that there is ‘more positivity’ about Leeds’ style of play compared to Newcastle’s.
But he did also claim, and these comments may not go down well with the Newcastle faithful, that Steve Bruce will let the ‘shackles come off’ at St James’ Park once they are ‘safe’.
“That’s always going to be the way with these sides,” said Sherwood. “He [Bielsa] plays with a philosophy which is always on the front foot. No matter who we play, I will give my players the confidence to go toe-to-toe.
“We saw them at Liverpool on the first game of the season. They are encouraging for us all. For spectators and pundits, to watch a Leeds game is going to be entertaining because there are going to be goals at both ends. But that’s the way Bielsa goes about it that.
“That is why there is more positivity about Leeds than there is about Newcastle. But ultimately, it’s all about the results. It’s different if you are a mid-table side, you are safe and then you will see the shackles come off. That’s where Steve Bruce will want to play the way his supporters want to experience it.”
What’s worse is that Sherwood’s comments came before Newcastle’s quite dreadful defeat to Chelsea on Saturday lunchtime.
It seems the Toon Army faithful aren’t asking for their team to be scoring goals for fun, but to show more intent when going forward and trying to muster a shot at goal, at the very least.
When Newcastle fans watch a newly-promoted team in Leeds come up to the top-tier and play with the freedom that they do, it must frustrate them even further.
And whilst those in the North East aren’t too happy with what Bruce is producing, you can bet every dollar that Mike Ashley will be backing the former centre-back all the way.
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