Bielsa defended Ayling in his press conference on Tuesday.
Marcelo Bielsa has been quoted by the Yorkshire Evening Post as defending Luke Ayling ahead of Wednesday night’s clash against Swansea City – but Leeds fans have disagreed and want him dropped.
Ayling, 27, has been out of form of late, coinciding with Leeds struggling to put a run of results together. Indeed, the Whites have won just two of their last seven outings.
The right-back’s performance levels have dropped of late, though he remains first choice under Bielsa with the Argentine picking him in his starting eleven for Wednesday night’s game – once again naming the side.
Bielsa was asked about Ayling’s drop in form and although he said the right-back is not performing as well going forward, he believes the ex-Bristol City star is still doing well defensively.
“For me Bill Ayling is a great player, he is a complete player,” Bielsa said. “When I say complete I mean he can manage all aspects of the game, he can defend as full back and as a centre back.
“The only thing I can tell about Bill Ayling is that he contributes a little less in attack and usually he was getting a grade over 7 points and now he is getting 6 points but for me is a very important player for the team.”
Ayling has made 25 appearances in all competitions for Leeds this season, captaining the side seven times and only missing a handful of games due to injury.
Leeds fans disagreed with Bielsa’s comments on Ayling, though. Some believe it is time for a change on the right side of defence, and want to see Ayling dropped.
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