Everton boss Frank Lampard has waved away any potential anymosity between him and Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa ahead of Saturday’s clash at Goodison Park. Lampard was at the centre of Spygate with Bielsa in 2019.
Back in 2019, a member of the Leeds coaching staff was caught syping on Derby’s training sessions. It provoked one of the most-talked about moments of football during that season, as things unravelled.
Derby were fuming, when Lampard was manager – especially as Leeds won the match. Bielsa, in the immediate aftermath, held a lengthy press conference in which he tried to show how much analysis he does on a side.
Leeds were fined £200,000 and Bielsa paid the fee out of his own pocket. Now, Lampard – Everton’s new manager – takes on Bielsa at Goodison Park. He spoke about Bielsa and Leeds in Friday’s press conference.
“Not at all,” Lampard said, when asked if there was any extra edge to Saturday’s game. “It’s a long-gone history, a lot has happened since then. I’ve got actually, complete respect for Marcelo Bielsa.
“And the way he is as a coach. The way he works is relatively unique. What he gets out his players, they’re a good team to watch if you’re a neutral because of the energy. That’s how I feel personally.”
Lampard on Bielsa and Leeds: Everton boss would love to win
But not because it is Leeds, simply because Everton desperately need to secure a Premier League victory. A 4-1 win over Brentford in the FA Cup is great, but Lampard would surely take a league win over that.
A dismal performance and a 3-1 loss to relegation rivals Newcastle was a huge blow, but a sign as to where Everton are right now. They seriously need to beat Leeds, or face fighting relegation during the next few months.
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