Dom Matteo criticises Marcelo Bielsa for making too many Leeds changes

Follow us on Google Discover

Leeds lost 2-0 to Preston at Elland Road on Tuesday night.

Dominic Matteo has told Proper Sport that Marcelo Bielsa was wrong to make so many changes as Leeds United were dumped out of the Carabao Cup by Preston North End on Tuesday night.

Bielsa, 63, made nine changes to his Leeds side to face Preston in the second round of the cup, after they beat Bolton 2-1 to earn a place in the second round against Alex Neil’s side.

Jamal Blackman, Jamie Shackleton, Conor Shaughnessy, Tom Pearce, Lewis Baker, Jack Harrison, Stuart Dallas, Tyler Roberts and Patrick Bamford all came in, with Pontus Jansson and Kalvin Phillips the only two to remain.

Leeds suffered a 2-0 loss to 10-man Preston, and former Whites defender Matteo reacted to the loss on Proper Sport by claiming Bielsa made too many changes, criticising the Argentine for such a decision.

“I was expecting the manager to make changes,” Matteo said. “But maybe not so many, being totally honest. One thing the Leeds United fans haven’t had for a few years is a decent cup run, whether it be the League Cup or the FA Cup.

“When you’re on a good roll, it is best to keep that going. But I don’t think the manager will be that unhappy to now just concentrate on the league.”

Bielsa had remained unbeaten prior to the loss, winning five and drawing one of his opening six games. It sees Leeds sit at the top of the Championship table – level with Friday night’s opponents Middlesbrough.

The Whites play host to Tony Pulis’ Boro, who are also expected to be in with a shout of promotion come May. Bielsa is expected to welcome back his first-team stars for the clash, but Liam Cooper remains a doubt.