MX23RW : Thursday, November 28 11:59:11| >> :60:678:678:

Marcelo Bielsa refuses to explain Kiko Casilla absence at West Ham

Marcelo Bielsa refuses to explain Kiko Casilla absence at West Ham
© Reuters
The Leeds boss said he does not "explain the motives" behind player absences after naming Italian teenager Elia Caprile on the bench on Monday.

Marcelo Bielsa says his decisions on team selection are private after leaving goalkeeper Kiko Casilla out of his squad for the defeat at West Ham.

Casilla has been back-up for Illan Meslier after losing his starting place to the young Frenchman last season, but on Monday night Italian teenager Elia Caprile was named on the bench.

"When I make a decision for the presence or absence of a player, I don't explain the motives," Bielsa said.

"What I do say is the truth. If it's because of injury, then I say it's because of injury.

"In the case of Casilla and Caprile, of course I value Caprile. I also know the difference between one and the other."

Bielsa confirmed in his post-match press conference at the London Stadium that former Real Madrid keeper Casilla, who was first choice after signing a four-and-a-half-year deal at Elland Road in January 2019, had been available.

"What I said to explain Casilla's absence, was that he was not injured and I decided that he would not participate," Bielsa said. "I think what I said is true and sufficient."

After the game Casilla, 34, posted a cryptic message on Instagram suggesting he was considering his future, but later denied it was in connection with the club.

Leeds, nine points above the relegation zone, face Chelsea at home on Saturday when they aim to become the first side to topple the Blues in 12 games under Thomas Tuchel.

Bielsa's side have lost five of their last seven league matches, but in each of those defeats, including last month's 4-2 loss at Arsenal, they had spells in the ascendancy and created plenty of chances.

"In general lines, our offensive performances are positive because we create danger," Bielsa added. "The opposite happens in the defensive half.

"All of our individual players from defensive midfielder down have good performances, but despite this we concede a lot of goals.

"In the three aspects I tell you – possession danger, danger efficiency and good individual performances and defensive output – they are all within the things I manage and haven't been able to resolve. Especially with the subject of receiving so many goals."

ID:438867:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect2975:

Click here for more stories about Marcelo Bielsa

Click here for more stories about Chelsea

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa pictured on February 27, 2021
Read Next:
Marcelo Bielsa planning for long-term future at Leeds
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool1210112481631
2Manchester CityMan City127232217523
3Chelsea126422314922
4Arsenal126422112922
5Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton126422116522
6Tottenham HotspurSpurs1261527131419
7Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest125431513219
8Aston Villa125431919019
9Fulham125341717018
10Newcastle UnitedNewcastle125341313018
11Brentford125252222017
12Manchester UnitedMan Utd124441313016
13Bournemouth124351617-115
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham124351519-415
15Everton122551017-711
16Leicester CityLeicester122461523-810
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves122372028-89
18Ipswich TownIpswich121651323-109
19Crystal Palace121561017-78
20Southampton121110924-154


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!