Leeds United legend Johnny Giles has admitted it was 'unfair' for Jesse Marsch to blame Marcelo Bielsa's training methods for the Whites' dismal injury record this season. The American claimed the players were 'over-trained' which led them to become 'physically, mentally, psychologically and emotionally' drained as he opened up on his time at Elland Road so far.
Kalvin Phillips, Liam Cooper and Patrick Bamford are amongst the high-profile Leeds stars to miss a sustained period of time throughout the campaign after suffering long-term injuries in the 2-2 draw against Brentford in December. Bamford, in particular, has missed more matches through a succession of issues, including an ankle problem and a foot injury, picking up the latter in the 3-2 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers last month.
Junior Firpo, Robin Koch, Diego Llorente and Luke Ayling have also been out for a number of weeks this season and it is a problem that has effected Leeds' performances on the pitch. The Whites currently sit 16th, having won just eight of their 31 Premier League games, collecting 17 fewer points than at this stage last term.
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However, Giles, who made over 350 appearances for the Whites, believes Marsch wasn't right to call Bielsa out so openly. He told Off The Ball: "I think it is outrageous and unfair. What he said about the training methods leading to the injuries which brought them into trouble. Now, the thing is with Bielsa, he has been doing it for three or four years. And during that time, he took Leeds from nowhere in the second division to promotion.
"First year there he got them to finish ninth in the league. With what he did, it is how Leeds have managed to get into this position. Marsch has come in and said because of him, injuries have been caused. But what about the previous two years when he took them from the second division and then they had a great season in the Premier League.
"Bamford said it one time, he has scored more goals under Bielsa than anyone else and he said he was responsible for getting him to the fittest he has ever been. He was here between three and four years but I think it is outrageous that he has come into the club and criticised the guy he has replaced. I think it is wrong and unfair."
He added: "You can't run Bielsa down for what he has done and criticise him in the way he has. First of all, I think any manager taking over from another professional manager shouldn't make any derogatory remarks about the manager. If he is sacked, he is sacked, just let him get on with the job and the way you deal with it. He is being very unfair on Bielsa and he has a long job on his hands."
