Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa has found himself in hot water.
Martin Keown has admitted to BBC Sport that he has lost some respect for Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa in the wake of ‘spygate’.
Leeds’ 2-0 win over Derby County at Elland Road on Friday was overshadowed by allegations of spying after the Argentine coach admitted that he sent somebody to the Rams’ training sessions in an effort to gain a tactical advantage on Thursday.
Derby boss Frank Lampard denounced Bielsa’s methods and rubbished suggestions from the 63-year-old that it was a ‘cultural’ thing.
Overall the incident has divided football fans and plenty of pundits. Some believe that the veteran Leeds coach did very little wrong, while others have slammed the former Argentina, Lazio and Athletic Bilbao coach for what they consider underhanded tactics.
Former Arsenal defender Keown is firmly in the latter bracket, telling BBC Sport: “I’ve lost a little bit of respect for him I have to say.
“We’re 27 games into the Championship season. What is it that Bielsa doesn’t know already about Derby County? For me it’s ridiculous. It’s over-stepping the mark.”
Controversy aside, it was a brilliant performance from the Whites and one that saw them extend their lead at the top of the Championship to five points, a gap which has since been cut to four points.
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