Bielsa has already named the changes he will make to his Leeds side.
Marcelo Bielsa was quoted by Leeds Live in Thursday afternoon’s press conference as saying that he will start Kalvin Phillips at centre-back despite Rotherham United’s style of play – and Leeds United fans reckon this is a mistake.
Bielsa once again chose to make the unusual decision of naming his team in a press conference before the weekend’s game, by stating that Kiko Casilla would make his debut in goal and Phillips would play at centre-back.
The Thorp Arch academy product has shone under Bielsa, playing in the number four role under the Argentine but following injuries and suspensions at centre-back, he has filled in at the heart of the defence.
Phillips was sent off during the 4-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest and has since been suspended for three games. But he has served those matches, after watching Leeds lose to QPR and Stoke, as well as beating Derby.
Bielsa said Phillips would start, before going on to discuss how Rotherham play: “They usually play long balls. They use prolongations of the ball and 50/50 balls, they try to get the second balls. They use long throws, rely on set pieces.”
Despite his comments, Bielsa has seemingly chosen to start Phillips above 6ft 5in defender Aapo Halme, who made his debut under Bielsa this season and has gone on to clock up five appearances.
Leeds fans cannot understand why Bielsa has chosen not to pick Halme to replace the suspended Jansson, who was sent off against Stoke City for a second yellow card. With Rotherham looking to use height, Leeds fans wanted Halme to start.
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