Stephen Warnock discusses what Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa is missing personally

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Bielsa has started well at Elland Road, guiding Leeds to second place.

Stephen Warnock has suggested to Wigan Athletic’s official website that Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa’s lack of experience in the Championship and heavy training routine could be an obstacle in their bid for promotion.

Leeds take on Wigan on Sunday afternoon at the DW Stadium, clubs which former England international Warnock both captained throughout his playing career that also saw him turn out for Liverpool, Aston Villa and Blackburn Rovers.

Bielsa has guided Leeds to second in the table with his high press, possession-based 4-1-4-1 system which is working wonders, but he is also renowned for his gruelling sessions at Thorp Arch.

Former Leeds skipper Warnock highlighted the Whites’ injury list, as well Bielsa’s training sessions and lack of experience in England – as well as the fact that the Argentine manager has not won anything in 10-15 years.

“It’s a brilliant club that is so well supported both home and away,” Warnock said. “With Bielsa in charge I think he’s quite good at grounding his players and takes a lot of the pressure off them, but again as much as I love Leeds I look at the squad and think are they strong enough?

“They’re losing a lot of their players to injury at this moment in time and whether that’s down to the training regime, which I hear is seven days a week with not much rest and break time in between.

“He hasn’t actually won anything in his last 10-15 years as a manager either. He’s got a great philosophy on football but as well know the Championship is a different breed.”

Leeds began the season in emphatic form, beating Stoke City and Derby County as well as smashing Norwich City 3-0 away from home. Now, they sit in second on 27 points, above Middlesbrough and Norwich only on goal difference.

A win against Wigan could see Leeds leapfrog leaders Sheffield United into top spot, but they will have to wait and see how results pan out on Saturday afternoon before their match on Sunday.