Gerrard: Bielsa and Leeds ‘have overstepped the mark’
Rangers boss Steven Gerrard believes Marcelo Bielsa was wrong to watch opposition training sessions and called for football’s authorities to legislate against spying.
Bielsa on Wednesday admitted to having every one of Leeds’ Championship opponents watched in training, while presenting his analysis of them to journalists.
The reaction was just hilarious. And now Gerrard has joined the carry-on.
The former Liverpool and England captain said on Thursday: “I think Leeds have overstepped the mark in this case.
“It’s not my way to send someone to other people’s training grounds. There is not a law in place and until there is, it could happen again.
“The powers that be need to adapt the rules and get something in place for this kind of behaviour in my opinion.”
The espionage admission came after a staff member of Leeds was caught by police at Derby’s training ground attempting to gain information ahead of last Friday night’s fixture, which Leeds subsequently won 2-0. The EFL and Football Association have opened investigations, with Bielsa saying he will cooperate.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers says it would be an exaggeration to call the Leeds head coach a cheat.
Former Swansea and Liverpool boss Rodgers claimed detailed knowledge of opposition can be garnered from leaks from players and their agents.
“I have seen ‘cheating’ being used but I think it’s a bit strong,” Rodgers said.
“In the current game there’s probably more opportunity for teams to get out through agents and players within (clubs).
“Teams will always try to find an edge but there is so much analysis in the game, so much preparation that goes in from coaches and managers, that it would be very surprising if you didn’t know the team or have a good idea of what the team was going to play.
“Marcelo Bielsa is an outstanding coach, someone I have admired for a long, long time.
“His methods, his way, are well documented in how successful he has been, he has explained his side of it and it moves on.”
