Leeds United are out of the direct promotion spot for the first time this season as they succumbed to a tame defeat against Charlton Atheltic. It was once again the same old story for the Whites as they weren’t able to turn their domination of possession into goals.
Pablo Hernandez is often the difference-maker for them and missing him in this tie was a huge loss for the Whites. Helder Costa had an average game in his place, and it seems like he might need some time to get going. Jack Harrison continued to frustrate on the left flank even though he did put in some inviting crosses.
However, even when most of the attacking players were not firing on all cylinders, Bielsa didn’t turn to Jack Clarke once again. With Hernandez out, one would have assumed that he might get a cameo later on, but Clarke was ignored even though the Whites were visibly poor in attack.
Bent on Clarke’s situation
Former England striker Darren Bent believes that Bielsa has lost trust in the youngster. Speaking to Football Insider, he said, ”If you look at Bielsa’s teams, he needs to be able to trust you. If he doesn’t trust you, like at the minute a bit with Jack Clarke, I think Bielsa feels he can’t trust him.”
”I’m sure everyone thought, and I’m sure he would have thought: ‘Right, I’ve got my move to Tottenham, I’m guaranteed now a starting role in the team. Maybe he wants back there with the wrong attitude. It’s really surprised me; I thought he would kick on this year.”
Bent is right that most of us assumed that this would be the year Clarke would kick on after his breakthrough campaign last season. The winger impressed coming off the bench last season and contributed with goals which showcased that he has a big future ahead of him.
What now for Bielsa?
Even though United were lacklustre against Charlton, Clarke was ignored, and he is yet to make an appearance in the Championship this season. As a result, there are rumours about Tottenham recalling the 18-year-old from his loan spell in January. Reports (The Mirror) even mentioned that Clarke hadn’t been made aware of why he is being ignored so far this season.
All in all, this is a wrong example being set by Bielsa as the youngster does have the ability to change games and we feel that it is not purely because of footballing reasons that he has been ignored in the league games so far. It seems to us that Clarke will likely go back to his parent club Tottenham in January.
