Karl Robinson isn’t happy with Leeds United after last nights game. The Oxford United manager has complained about the team Leeds sent for the game, despite the fans seeing a 4-3 win for their side and a very entertaining game.
Leeds took a very young side to Oxford last night, mainly the under 23’s who Marcelo Bielsa is looking at for the squad. It’s the fourth game of pre-season and the second time Bielsa has fielded a young side after seemingly picking a stronger XI in the games at Forest Green and Southend United. Ronaldo Vieira captained the side that also included Lewis Baker and Mateusz Klich, the only notable first-team players.
Oxford manager Karl Robinson complaining about the strength of the squad used by Leeds tonight. "It would have been nice to know they weren’t bringing certain players for our fans. It’s not my problem but at least tell us, as we do with everyone we play."
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) July 24, 2018
Tom Pearce and Yosuke Ideguchi also started the game although the latter was replaced at the half-time interval after struggling to impress again. Jamal Blackman and Tyler Roberts came off the bench at the break, both impressing as Leeds game from 3-0 down to lose 4-3, Ryan Edmondson, other substitute scoring what looked like a good goal but having it ruled offside.
Other than those mentioned, and actually including some it was largely an under 23’s side. Will Huffer, Jamie Shackleton, Oriol Rey, Hugo Diaz, Jack Clarke and Sam Dalby all started the game and in that sense Robinson is right that it wasn’t the players he was probably expecting. However, to complain about the strength of a team in pre-season is pretty strange and it’s not the first time he’s had a moan about Leeds for one reason or another. Marcelo Bielsa won’t be too fussed by this, he is now expected to field the stronger team at Guiseley on Thursday night.
