Marcelo Bielsa has confirmed that Leeds United have a team of around 20 people that work alongside the playing staff to create a ‘volume of information’ on the opposition.

Leeds’ boss has been football’s main talking point over the course of the last week, with Bielsa admitting that he had sent a ‘spy’ to watch Derby County train ahead of last Friday’s clash at Elland Road.

An EFL statement was sent out asking for Leeds’ observations on the incident, with Bielsa also moving to announce a press conference on Wednesday to discuss ‘spygate’.

During a lengthy presentation, Bielsa revealed to the Yorkshire Evening Post that Leeds have a team of 20 people sourcing information on opposition:

“Apart from the players in a staff, you have around 20 people. These 20 people create a volume of information, which is absolutely not necessary. It doesn't define the path of a competition. Why do we do that? Because we feel guilty if we don't work enough." 

So far this season, the meticulous Argentine has delivered a promotion push at Elland Road, with the Whites pushing for a Premier League return for the first time since 2004.

Despite ‘spygate’ overshadowing last Friday’s clash at Elland Road, Leeds beat Derby 2-0, with goals from Kemar Roofe and Jack Harrison securing the points.

The Verdict

Bielsa’s insight show how much effort goes into preparing Leeds for games and how serious he is taking his role.

The openness of the head-coach is astonishing and having seen this, and other points from the press conference, it is easy to see why Leeds are the division’s standout side.

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