Marcelo Bielsa says Leeds 'cannot ignore' recent defeats ahead of Aston Villa clash

Marcelo Bielsa admits his side "cannot ignore the way" they lost their games against Wigan and Brentford, as Leeds prepare to face Aston Villa at Elland Road on Sunday.

Wigan withstood an early Patrick Bamford goal to come back and win 2-1 and beat Leeds thanks to a brace from Gavin Massey on Good Friday.

And Brentford further thwarted the United's automatic promotion ambitions with goals from Neal Maupay and Sergi Canos in a 2-0 victory at Griffin Park on Easter Monday.

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"When you lose, you lose, it's obvious. But we cannot ignore the way these losses happened," Bielsa admitted.

"The way the players feel is normal, if they didn't feel that way, we would be worried about it.

"The only feeling I have towards our players is respect and consideration. We've been very demanding with them, and they have given everything.

"Of course we need to play a game that will rebuild our optimism, and winning would help with that."

Leeds take on an Aston Villa side who have won 10 matches in succession in the league.

Kemar Roofe, Ezgjan Alioski and Barry Douglas are all unavailable, with Tammy Abraham and Kortney Hause sidelined for the away side.

Watch Leeds vs Aston Villa live on Sky Sports Football from 11.30am on Sunday; kick-off is at midday.