Marcelo Bielsa told reporters on Thursday: "Normally, when there is adversity, what you guys do is try to weaken those facing adversity or to ridicule the style of play of a team"; watch Leeds United vs Burnley live on Sky Sports Premier League and Main Event on Sunday; kick-off 12pm
Thursday 24 December 2020 14:29, UK
Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa has accused sections of the media of trying to destabilise his side by continuing to question his style of play.
Bielsa arrived at his press conference before Sunday's home Premier League game against Burnley armed with a dossier in response to criticism of Leeds after last week's heavy defeat at Manchester United.
Leeds have earned rave reviews for their commitment to attack in their first season back in the top flight, but Bielsa has clearly been hurt by some of the media's reaction to the 6-2 loss at Old Trafford.
"I don't worry too much about what the press think," Bielsa said. "I always listen, read and take the best possible message from what's written.
"What does worry me is what is written influences the public, they decrease the capacity to understand for the public.
"Also, (they) try to destabilise by suggesting to the players the style needs to be changed. Of course, this happens when the results allow. It doesn't matter if in the previous game the opinion was completely different."
Leeds' latest league defeat was their seventh of the season, but they have registered five wins and have been widely accepted as a thrilling addition to the top flight.
Bielsa spent over 40 minutes forensically analysing Sunday's game in answer to one question and accepted his side once again failed to convert enough of their chances.
But he said the "real reasons" why Leeds lost had not been taken into account by his critics.
"This is not something new as media platforms, journalists, can only analyse results," he said. "Normally, when there is adversity, what you guys do is try to weaken those facing adversity or to ridicule the style of play of a team."
He also accepted full responsibility for his side's shortcomings in central midfield - he withdrew both Kalvin Phillips and Mateusz Klich at half-time - but insisted he will not be changing his approach.
"I don't worry about the objectives of the press's questions," he said. "If I did, I wouldn't be able to manage.
"What worries me about the press is the effect it has on the public. All (my) explanations are for the public to hear.
"I know I lose in this battle. I know the public need a simple explanation and mine is complex.
"I don't have the intention that it will be valued or heard, but there is a conduct when you face these kinds of things."
Leeds will be without captain Liam Cooper for Sunday's home game against Burnley.
Cooper has been ruled out due to an abdominal strain and joins fellow centre-half Robin Koch on the sidelines.
Koch is a long-term absentee following knee surgery, but Spain defender Diego Llorente could make his home debut after recovering from a muscle strain. It remains to be seen whether Bielsa makes further changes following last week's defeat.
Burnley wingers Dwight McNeil and Robbie Brady are doubtful.
The pair were both withdrawn in Monday's 2-1 win over Wolves - McNeil suffering from a tight groin and Brady with a hamstring issue - although neither problem is thought to be a long-term concern.
Forward Matej Vydra has tweaked a muscle in his back and is another doubt while midfield pair Jack Cork and Johann Berg Gudmundsson are making progress in their recoveries from injuries but will not feature at Elland Road.
Leeds vs Burnley will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Premier League and Main Event from 11.30am on Sunday; kick-off at 12pm. Sky Sports customers can watch in-game clips in the live match blog on the Sky Sports website and app. Free highlights will also be published on the Sky Sports digital platforms and the Sky Sports Football YouTube channel shortly after the final whistle.
At least 146 Premier League games will be shown live on Sky Sports in the 2020/21 season. The Premier League has further increased the number of televised games this season from 200 to 231, with over half of the extra fixtures set to be shown live on Sky Sports.
Overall, Sky Sports will be showing at least 146 Premier League matches live throughout the 2020/21 season, continuing to bring you all the latest twists, turns and shocks at the home of the Premier League. There will also be two additional midweek programmes - one will be played across the weeks commencing January 11 and 18 and the second will be in the week commencing May 10. All of these games will be broadcast live.
You can also follow the action with our dedicated live blogs on the Sky Sports website and app, and watch free match highlights from every game shortly after full-time on our digital platforms and YouTube channel.
