Marcelo Bielsa should 'watch spy movies', says Tony Pulis
'It's absolutely ridiculous to think Bielsa is the only person in the world doing this,' said Pulis
Friday 18 January 2019 14:20, UK
Leeds head coach Marcelo Bielsa should "start watching spy movies to see how it is done properly", according to Middlesbrough boss Tony Pulis.
Bielsa admitted to sending a spy to watch Derby train ahead of their game last week - which Leeds won 2-0 - after a member of his staff was removed from their training ground.
Bielsa's 'absolutely incredible' presentation
Leeds, who have apologised and reminded Bielsa of the club's principles, are being investigated by the EFL following a complaint from Derby.
Bielsa's methods of preparation have been met with widespread criticism, however Pulis says this is "always going on" in football and had some advice for his counterpart.
"How can you send someone in a Leeds tracksuit with a wire cutter and a pair of binoculars to another training ground?" said Pulis.
"He's got to start watching some spy movies to see how it's done properly.
"It's absolutely ridiculous to think Bielsa is the only person in the world doing this.
"Joking apart, Bielsa has been very honest and it's up to Leeds and the authorities. It'll be interesting to see what they come up with."
Pulis on spying: 'It's always going on'
Pulis, formerly manager of Stoke and West Brom, admitted he has also been guilty of spying on opposition throughout his career.
"I've been in the game a long, long time - a few years ago you would ring people up about teams.
"I can remember being at Gillingham playing in the fourth division ringing up other people I knew at clubs to see what team they would play, if they had injuries. Or you would ring a press man you knew in that area.
"It's always going on. There has always been managers up and down the country [doing it] - especially the experienced ones who didn't have the opportunity to watch the games we've got today.
"But today we've got so many games televised. I have two sports analysts that I've had for years and they absolutely pick everything out of every game against opposition we are playing against.
"I had 10 years in the Premier League and we had to squeeze every pip out of every player and every club I was at.
"Do you honestly think I went into games without being organised? Without sorting stuff out? Without having a plan?"
