Marcelo Bielsa is reportedly happy to go into the season with Leeds United’s options in defence as they currently are.
According to Leeds Live, Marcelo Bielsa has decided that Leeds United don’t need another centre-back.
Bielsa is said to be happy to go into the new season with his current backline, with Ryan Kent the only signing Leeds are still interested in making.
Bielsa is known to like working with a small squad, but his decision not to improve Leeds’ defence looks at best risky and at worst baffling.
Bielsa’s relationship with Pontus Jansson may have broken down, but to let him go without bringing in a new player is a huge gamble.
Jansson was arguably the best centre-back in Leeds’ squad, and he will be missed over the upcoming campaign.
Ben White’s arrival has helped to bolster Leeds’ defence, but he is totally unproven in the Championship and very different in style to Jansson.
White is comfortable in possession, but doesn’t have the same physical attributes that the Swede did.
It seems that White will have to play a key role at Leeds though, as their options look so short.
Liam Cooper will start whenever he is fit, with White his most likely partner, but after that Leeds have no other natural senior centre-backs.
Luke Ayling and Gaetano Berardi can both play in the centre of defence, but they are hardly comfortable there.
And Bielsa’s decision to feel satisfied with going an entire season with just Cooper and White as recognised centre-backs could be a misstep if injury does strike for Leeds.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
