Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa did not fly out on the club’s tour.
Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa did not fly out with the team to Australia.
It was a surprising decision from a manager renowned for wanting to do everything his own way.
Only 16 players made the trip, with Leeds keeping some of their international stars behind.
The Yorkshire Evening Post report Bielsa could still fly out in time for the friendly with Manchester United, but could return before the second match.
Leeds captain Liam Cooper told the paper that the players have clear instructions.
He said: “I think as professionals you’ve just got to do your job. You do what you’re told to do and that’s the way it is.
“We’ve got an experienced group out here and Marcelo wants to work with the lads he’s brought in and the lads who came back a bit later.
“They’re sort of doing their fitness work what they missed out on when we were there, so I think it’s all normal to the lads and the lads just get on with it and look forward to it and enjoy it.”
Among the players left behind are Ezgjan Alioski, Mateusz Klich, Helder Costa and Ben White.
It would not be a surprise if Bielsa did not make the trip at all, given how unpredictable the Argentine can be.
But such is his attention to detail, you can be sure Bielsa will be analysing their every move, whether he is there or not.
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