5 things to expect from Leeds United and Marcelo Bielsa in the Premier League

#2 "Tactics, tactics, tactics and fitness."

Mateusz Klich has been a vital player for Leeds United under Bielsa

"Tactics, tactics, tactics and fitness," said Mateusz Klich, when quizzed about Bielsa's system and style.

The Poland international has been an important cog of Leeds United under Bielsa, and he was unequivocally clear about the Argentine's way of working.

"It's very strict here, like the military. You have to have a lot of power and fitness. But we didn't know how good we could be."

The midfielder has played nearly a hundred games in all competitions for Leeds United in the last two seasons. Bielsa's system relies heavily on his players maintaining concentration levels till the very end of the match, as well as incredible physical fitness. As there is an immense amount of pressing under a Bielsa system, players have to be willing runners.

Mateusz Klich pass for our goal. What an outstanding football brain. #lufc #FootballIndex pic.twitter.com/feiJruCp4j

— Bealo (@bealolufc) July 16, 2020

Unlike the likes of Watford and Burnley who prefer a low-block, the Argentine prefers to attack and press from the get-go. It doesn't look like it will change, either; Bielsa is notorious for his stubborness.

While Ralph Hassenhuttl's Southampton emphasise on a frantic style of pressing, the 65-year old's pressing style is more calculated. Players have to be fully aware of the scenarios and situations, and act accordingly.

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#1 Bielsa ball

Leeds United celebrate their Championship triumph

Finally, perhaps the most exciting thing to look forward to. Bielsa's tactics are well-renowned, but his obsession to detail is what makes him stand out.

While the formation most associated with him is the 3-3-1-3, his Leeds United side usually operate in a 4-1-4-1. Much of it is dependent upon midfielder Kalvin Phillips. The 24-year old's passing and defensive capabilities usually play a vital role in the start of an attack. The ball progression for Leeds United is usually done by their full-backs, while fan favourite Pablo Hernandez operates as the creative midfielder.

This is Marcelo Bielsa politely dismantling systems like Conte’s 3-5-2Conte doesn’t care about development, he cares about instant success. That’s why he almost only buys specialist players (Alonso, Giroud, Lukaku, Luiz++)He left Sarri with players that are very hard to coach pic.twitter.com/mpWtkL1IR5

— Jorgi (@RegistaEdition) July 17, 2020

Much of it is also dependent upon the striker. This season it has predominantly been Patrick Bamford. Bamford usually drops deeper to facilitate play, and can operate on the wings as well. The former Chelsea man is expected to run the channels and lure opposition defenders, making space for his teammates.

Hernandez's creativity is crucial. The Spain international's through balls and creative passes often unlock defences, while the likes of Klich and Helder Costa provide the legs for the 35-year old, and form diamonds with teammates to evade the press.

The players are expected to do all this, while pressing and maintaining high concentration levels. Bielsa's sides notoriously get tired around midway through the season, most famously like his Marseille side. It will be important to take care of players' fitness as the tough Premier League progresses.

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