Jermaine Beckford has expressed his frustration over one thing that ‘constantly’ gets said about Leeds this season.
The 37-year-old bemoaned the fact that people still question Marcelo Bielsa’s style of play, despite the rewards it has already reaped this term.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, the former Elland Road hero said: ‘There’s a part of me, the Leeds United fan, that’s frustrated that it’s being judged constantly, people saying, ‘Oh it’s terrible, it’s never going to last, everybody’s going to blow up’.”
To put it simply, we have no idea why anyone would criticise the football Bielsa instructs his team to play other than through jealousy.
Leeds have been a revelation, a breath of fresh air if you will.
Where 99% of newly-promoted teams would turn up in the top-flight, batten down the hatches and just scrap for their lives, Leeds have been expansive, open and brave.
Yes, this approach may have seen 34 goals be conceded – the second-most in the Premier League this season.
However, it has yielded 30, which is the seventh-most this season.
Additionally, the style of football has earned Leeds 23 points, which has them sat 12th in the Premier League after 18 games.
They look on course to stay up with ease. Significantly, the same cannot be said about those who came up with Leeds in Fulham and West Brom.
If Leeds crash, burn and ultimately get relegated, then fine – let the criticism commence.
However, with Leeds looking likely to survive easily, Bielsa’s side should be coming in for universal praise, rather than any form of criticism.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
