Marcelo Bielsa has been talking to the media ahead of Leeds United’s game against Fulham this Saturday. Many topics were discussed, although Kiko Casilla was unsurprisingly the hottest of the lot.
Bielsa made the decision to name the ex-Real Madrid glovesman as captain for Wednesday’s Carabao Cup defeat to Hull City.
However, the Leeds boss did so despite the fact that Casilla was fined £60,000 and handed an eight-game ban last season for racially abusing Jonathan Leko, as the BBC reported.
When quizzed on the topic, Leeds Live quote Bielsa as saying: ‘I interpreted the feelings of his teammates.’
That initial seven-word explanation was followed by a more lengthy answer when asked if such a decision was appropriate or not by a journalist, who perhaps felt some elaboration was needed.
‘His team-mates think he deserved to be the captain and we have to listen to those messages,’ the Leeds boss said. ‘The players see in their captain someone they feel can represent them.’
The Spanish goalkeeper claimed to have not understood the term he used, citing a lack of knowledge on the English language when denying the initial charge according to the BBC.
After appearing as captain against Hull – a position in which someone who sets the example should stand – questions were always going to be asked.
Casilla gave the ball away for the Tigers’ goal in normal time, before saving a penalty and also scoring one on an eventful night for the Spaniard.
It is clear that the 33-year-old has the backing of Bielsa, and that the situation has not affected his chances of receiving game-time at Elland Road.
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