Leeds United succumbed to a 2-1 defeat against Blackburn Rovers, and everyone has just one question on their lip. Are the wheels coming off like last year? Well, it’s still early days to say that as United are still just two points behind the table toppers Middlesbrough. However, the performance at Ewood Park left a lot to be desired, and there were some glaring mistakes which Marcelo Bielsa made.
The fullback dilemma
Barry Douglas and Luke Ayling both missed the game against Blackburn due to injury and suspension. Bielsa went in with versatile midfielder Stuart Dallas in the right back position and Gaetano Berardi as a left back. Berardi, who happens to be a right-back and has played this season as a centre back, started against the Rovers at left back. That sure sounds complicated.
Bielsa later himself admitted he made a mistake by starting the two in those positions. As the game went by Dallas and Berardi switched their position as Dallas wasn’t able to cope up defensively. Bielsa said,”For the creation part, Gaetano Berardi and Stuart Dallas were doing positive things on their respective sides. And the features of the (Blackburn) players made it better that Gaetano played versus the seven(Armstrong) and Dallas versus the four (Reed).
“They don’t have any profile problem, that’s why they could switch sides without any problem. I think I should have noticed that before the game. I should have found out before the game that the right position were those that they occupied after. (the change)”
Bielsa could have trusted someone like Tom Pearce to start in the left back role and Berardi could have played as a right back, a position where he has played most of his career. Dallas is a versatile player as he can fill up various positions but he doesn’t have the defensive positional sense. Armstrong gave him a tough time with his movement, and that allowed Rovers to dominate certain phases of the game.
Roofe used as a winger
Pablo Hernandez didn’t seem ready to take on the full 90 minutes. Bielsa started with both Roofe and Tyler Roberts with the youngster leading the line for the most parts. Roofe might have qualities of a winger but has excelled this season in a more central role. He and Roberts were continually changing their positions often but to no good effect.
Solution to this?
Most of the problems arose due to using makeshift players in certain positions, and the team is suffering from a lack of depth when an injury or suspension takes place. Bielsa could have gone in with someone like Jack Clarke and Tom Pearce who would have been more natural in their positions. If the gaffer isn’t comfortable using them, then the club needs to go in the transfer market and bring back up as lack of depth certainly cost the Whites at Ewood Park.
