Perfectionist Bielsa wants more despite rousing start to his Leeds United revolution

HEAD COACH Marcelo Bielsa believes his Leeds United side can only improve despite starting the season with a stunning victory over Championship favourites Stoke City.
Leeds Pablo Hernandez celebrates scoring against Stoke. (Picture: Tony Johnson)Leeds Pablo Hernandez celebrates scoring against Stoke. (Picture: Tony Johnson)
Leeds Pablo Hernandez celebrates scoring against Stoke. (Picture: Tony Johnson)

The Argentinian enjoyed a dream bow in the home dugout at Elland Road as goals from Mateusz Klich, Pablo Hernandez and Liam Cooper gave United their biggest opening-day win in 16 years.

“I saw a very positive revolution (this summer),” said Bielsa. “But our team has to grow and get better. At the end of the game we didn’t try to link defence and attack on the ground.

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“We didn’t move the ball as well as we wanted at times. We could not get the ball back from the opposition. All aspects we need to correct.”

United’s performance against the newly-relegated Potters was hugely encouraging and left the home fans in the 34,126 crowd elated at the final whistle.

However, asked if Leeds had laid down an early marker in the promotion race, Bielsa urged caution.

“It is too soon to make any analysis, either positive or negative,” he said. “It is an expression of desire, but we have to support this expression over 46 games. It is a hope.

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“The atmosphere was even bigger than what I thought it would be. The fans were connected to the messages of the team in every second of the game.

Leeds' Kalvin Phillips and Stoke's Badou chase the ball. (Picture:Tony Johnson)Leeds' Kalvin Phillips and Stoke's Badou chase the ball. (Picture:Tony Johnson)
Leeds' Kalvin Phillips and Stoke's Badou chase the ball. (Picture:Tony Johnson)

“I hope our football will create positive links for the fans.”

After inspiring Leeds to their biggest opening-day win since Manchester City were beaten 3-0 by Terry Venables’s side in 2002, Bielsa added: “It is a dynamic team and an offensive team. It is a team that dares to play. My team take risks when moving the ball.”

Report: Page 3