Leeds United coach Marcelo Bielsa 'totally satisfied' with their transfer business

Marcelo Bielsa has declared himself “totally satisfied” with his Leeds United squad as the Whites sit out the domestic football window, and has paid tribute to the work of sporting director Victor Orta.
By Stuart Rayner
Published 16th Oct 2020, 13:22 BST
Updated 16th Oct 2020, 13:24 BST
OPTIONS: Rodrigo's arrival has lessened the need for extra strength in attacking midfield positionsOPTIONS: Rodrigo's arrival has lessened the need for extra strength in attacking midfield positions
OPTIONS: Rodrigo's arrival has lessened the need for extra strength in attacking midfield positions

Their work in the summer window has been focused on quality rather than quantity, adding club record signing Rodrigo, winger Raphiniha and defenders Robin Koch and Diego Llorente, plus a string of development players.

Despite missing out on midfield target Michael Cuisance amidst reservations about his fitness, Leeds have chosen not to go back into the market during the extra 11 days set aside for transfers from Football League clubs. Coach Bielsa says that is because he is so pleased with what he has.

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“I am totally satisfied,” he declared. “I'm very grateful for the work Victor Orta has done and the group that helps him. I also value the contribution of the club. The chairman (Andrea Radrizzani) has been able to incorporate the players we needed.

“(The signings) were of a high level and we're very happy.”

Leeds were looking at midfield options throughout the international window, hence their interest in Bayern Munich's Cuisance, who joined Marseille on loan after his move to Elland Road fell through. Nevertheless, Bielsa says he is happy with what he has.

Cover for 35-year-old playmaker Pablo Hernandez was a concern for many but despite being signed apparently with playing at centre-forward primarily in mind, the early-season form of Patrick Bamford has seen fellow Spaniard Rodrigo used in central midfield at times, and adapt well to it.

“In the position of attacking midfield we have Pablo, Tyler Roberts and Rodrgio and defensively we have (Kalvin) Phillips, Pascal (Struijk) and Koch can play there, and eventually Diego Llorente as well,” said Bielsa, running through his options. “In the box-to-box positions we have (Mateusz) Klich, (Stuart) Dallas, (Jamie) Shakleton and (Ezgjan) Alioski. These are the options I see.”

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Hernandez has been able to use the international break to recover from a muscle injury, although Liam Cooper has picked one up with Scotland which threatens his involvement in Monday's game at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers. Winger Raphinha is in line to make his debut.

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Related topics:Marcelo BielsaVictor OrtaAndrea RadrizzaniPablo Hernandez