[ad_pod ]
Leeds fell to their second league defeat under Marcelo Bielsa on Saturday, and the gaffer’s post-match comments suggest there could be some changes on the way for the clash with Ipswich.
The Whites lost 2-1 at Ewood Park on Saturday courtesy of some shocking set-piece defending, and Bielsa spared no bones about their defensive deficiencies in his post-match comments.
An injury for Barry Douglas and suspension for Luke Ayling meant a reshuffle at the back, but the decision to play Stuart Dallas at right back and Gaetano Berardi on the left was a total disaster.
“I think I should have noticed that before the game,” Bielsa said of the troubles both Dallas and Berardi had on their respective flanks.
“I should have found out before the game that the right position were those that they occupied after (swapping sides).
“We didn’t defend as well as we usually do,” the boss added.
“We have to conclude that we are in a low or bad moment.”
While his side are still fourth and just two points behind leaders Middlesbrough, the enigmatic Leeds boss clearly isn’t happy, so what changes could he make for Wednesday’s clash against Ipswich?
[brid autoplay=”true” video=”310054″ player=”12034″ title=”Rafa’s Pub Facts Fake Madrid & Ross Barkley Emulates… David Ngog”]
Three at the back?
Given that much of the boss’ post-match analysis focused on the defensive troubles, could we see a complete change of system at the back? Liam Cooper, Pontus Jansson and Gaetano Berardi are all enjoying great seasons, and the trio could form a dominant back three.
Bielsa is renowned for using three at the back, and the likes of Ezgjan Alioski and Jamie Shackleton could be perfect wing-backs. The pair are both fast, hard-working and far more technically gifted than the likes of Berardi and Dallas, so they could inject some speed and width into the attack.
Time for Forshaw?
Whether the Whites switch to three at the back or not, they absolutely need some fresh blood in midfield. Forshaw barely played last season, picking up a knock shortly after joining from Middlesbrough, but the experienced midfielder has been solid in every appearance so far under Bielsa.
Partnering Forshaw with Kalvin Phillips could allow Mateusz Klich to roam forward and do what he does best, and also give Samuel Saiz a break, with the Spaniard looking tired and wasteful in the last few games.
So, Leeds fans, do you think we could see three at the back some time soon? Who should play left-back against Ipswich? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below…
