Jamie Shackleton has highlighted how Leeds United struggled to deal with Guiseley’s direct approach in last night’s friendly.  

Marcelo Bielsa’s side found themselves 2-0 behind in the first-half, with Leeds forced to battle their way back into the contest, eventually winning 4-3 at Nethermoor Park.

18-year-old Shackleton featured at right wing-back, giving a good account of himself, not for the first time over the course of pre-season.

Following the thrilling victory over Guiseley, Shackleton delivered an honest interview with LUTV, where he highlighted Guiseley’s direct approach as something the Whites struggled to deal with:

“They were a bit physical and direct and I don't think we dealt with that too well to start with. We lost quite a few headers and didn't get the second balls and it cost us a couple of goals in the first-half."

Shackleton has featured regularly over the course of pre-season, appearing in line-ups alongside a number of his teammates from the under-23s.

Leeds take on Las Palmas in their final pre-season friendly over the course of the weekend, with Bielsa having the chance to take a final look at his playing squad ahead of the Championship season.

Bielsa will get his first taste of Championship football on August 5th, with Stoke City, who are amongst the heavy favourites for promotion, visiting Elland Road.

The Verdict

This is a worry for Bielsa, as it is something that haunted Thomas Christiansen and Leeds at times last season.

Direct football played by the likes of Millwall and Cardiff City really hurt Leeds last season, with that duo amongst the clubs to cause the Whites real problems.

Ahead of the new season, Bielsa needs to be making sure that those problems are ironed out.

Leeds fans… Let us know your thoughts!