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‘It’s astonishing’: Chris Sutton makes claim about Leeds trio’s reaction to Bielsa’s exit

Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images
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Chris Sutton has stated that he found it ‘amazing’ and ‘astonishing’ how Kalvin Phillips, Patrick Bamford and Liam Cooper reacted to Marcelo Bielsa’s sacking at Leeds and the ‘love they had for him, as he told BBC Radio 5 Live Sport.

The former striker questioned whether Leeds went ‘early’ with their sacking of Bielsa after their defeat to Tottenham.

When Leeds announced on Sunday morning that they had parted ways with the Argentine, within minutes, players, left, right and centre were sending their best wishes to him on social media and thanking him for what he did for their careers.

Given that he guided the club to the promised land, it wasn’t a surprise that there was such an outpouring of emotion to his exit.

Sutton spoke about Bielsa getting the boot and how Jesse Marsch’s arrival puts ‘more pressure’ on the club’s shoulders during these final few months of the season.

“I thought it was amazing, your sort of Phillips, Bamford and Cooper, their posts stuff and love for him,” said Sutton. “It’s astonishing really. 

“I just wonder if they went too early with the sacking and, in many ways, I know that Jesse Marsch has come in now.

“But the club have put themselves under more pressure now with this appointment? They sort of have to stay up now. It will always be hanging over them that they sacked a guy who brought a brand of football. 

“I get why the Leeds fans loved him. I thought they were a great watch.”

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 17: Patrick Bamford and Kalvin Phillips of Leeds United inspect the pitch prior to the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Leeds United at St. James Park on September 17, 2021 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images

The problem for Leeds wasn’t just the fact that they were losing games, it’s the manner in which they were getting knocked to the floor.

Within the first half of games, even the first half an hour, the games were done and dusted.

Whilst Leeds’ all-action style worked a treat last season, it didn’t prove to be the success Bielsa would have wanted during this campaign.

Added with the spate of injuries at Elland Road, and his stubbornness to keep working with a small squad, it all led to the road of him leaving after three years at the helm.