Leeds boss Bielsa hints at change of style v Millwall
Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa has said he may change tactics for Saturday’s tough-looking trip to Millwall.
Bielsa confirmed the injuries to Pablo Hernandez and Gaetano Berardi at his Thorp Arch press conference, while Kemar Roofe will also miss out against the Lions and he also suggested he may switch the focus of the team against Neil Harris’ side.
Hernandez, who was absent from the side in their last match against Middlesbrough, is now expected to miss at least three weeks with what the club have only described so far as a “muscular injury”.
Berardi meanwhile is also not fit to travel to the New Den. The Swiss defender, who made his name as a full-back on either flank, left Elland Road after the Boro match on crutches.
Bielsa said: “We designed a group which has to be able to solve these type of problems. The game on Saturday is a good time to show how we worked regarding this.”
The Argentinian also revealed forward Kemar Roofe took “a kick which will not allow him to play” and with Patrick Bamford already ruled out for the long-term it leaves table-topping Leeds with few options in the capital.
“The first option we have is Tyler Roberts. We have also other possibilities,” said Bielsa, who could opt to use 17-year-olds Ryan Edmondson or Jack Clarke.
“They are young players. We value them for their skills. We have to find the right moment to play them so they can express those skills. We have to choose the right time to put young players in the team – not too early or too late.
“It will a game similar to the one against Middlesbrough, but it’s an away game. It’s a team that doesn’t have the same ranking as Middlesbrough but we’ll face similar difficulties.”
Bielsa, who has used a fluid, passing style so far, also hinted he could change tactics after seeing Boro shut his side out in the goalless draw before international break.
“We’ll see if we are faithful to our style or if we make concessions to a rival who is trying to neutralise us,” added Bielsa. Against Middlesbrough we had the ball, the possession but few chances to score. The opponent had more chances than us. For us it was difficult.”