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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."

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Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa pictured on February 27, 2021
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Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Manchester CityMan City30225364214371
2Manchester UnitedMan Utd29169456322457
3Leicester CityLeicester29175753322156
4Chelsea29149644251951
5West Ham UnitedWest Ham29147845351049
6Liverpool29137948361246
7Everton28144104037346
8Tottenham HotspurSpurs28136947301745
9Arsenal29126114032842
10Aston Villa271251039281141
11Leeds UnitedLeeds29123144547-239
12Crystal Palace29107123147-1637
13Wolverhampton WanderersWolves2998122838-1035
14Southampton2996143651-1533
15Burnley2989122237-1533
16Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton29711113236-432
17Newcastle UnitedNewcastle2977152848-2028
18Fulham30511142338-1526
19West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom2939172057-3718
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd2942231650-3414

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