Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa has told Leeds Live that dropping Mateusz Klich against Newcastle United was a ‘difficult decision’.
The Whites headed up to St James’ Park in search of three points after a tricky run of form, and came away with a 2-1 win.
Raphinha opened the scoring with a fine finish from Rodrigo’s pass, but Miguel Almiron found an equaliser for Newcastle in the second half.
Leeds claimed the win just moments later though as Jack Harrison placed a superb strike past Karl Darlow from Raphinha’s pass.
Newcastle attempted to grab a late leveller but couldn’t find it, with Leeds claiming a vital win and a second victory over Newcastle this season.
Bielsa will be delighted with the win, but he did make a bold decision before the game by benching Klich.
The Polish midfielder has been an absolute mainstay of the Leeds side under Bielsa, but he was only on the bench as Stuart Dallas started in midfield.
Klich did come on for Ezgjan Alioski on 56 minutes, but Bielsa was asked about his decision to bench the midfielder.
Bielsa admitted that it was a ‘difficult decision’ as Klich has given so much to Leeds in recent years, but making such changes is ‘normal’ – and who knows, maybe a little rest will do Klich good.
“It’s a situation which is to do with the job I do,” said Bielsa. “Of course, he’s given a lot to Leeds while I’ve been here and yes it was a difficult decision but it’s normal for there to be constant changes,” he added.
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