MARCELO BIELSA HAS admitted Leeds United have had spies watching every opponent they have faced this season.
The issue of ‘Spygate’ was first raised ahead of Derby County’s visit to Elland Road last Friday when a Leeds employee was caught outside the Rams’ training ground.
Bielsa faced widespread criticism for his actions — not least from Derby boss Frank Lampard — but, at a hastily arranged press briefing this evening, the Argentine conceded it was not an isolated incident.
He said: “I observed all the rivals and we watched all the training sessions of the opponents before we played against them.”
Leeds issued a statement after the Derby game reminding Bielsa of his responsibilities, while investigations have been launched by the English Football League (EFL) and Football Association (FA).
Bielsa, though, insisted he was not acting illegally, and hoped his honesty would help the investigation.
Advertisement
Bielsa now using a big screen to demonstrated his analysis. Says what he's showing us took more than 300 hours of work. He's running us through the information he gathers for individual games, using Derby as an example. #lufc
He added: “I, with the goal of gaining a sports advantage, have been seen to damage fair play. I already said I was responsible for this situation. The person who did it followed my orders and I am the only responsible one.
“My behaviour has been debated and many people have made an opinion. Many have condemned the act of behaviour. They’ve said it was immoral and violated the fair play and cheating.
“The club thought it was obliged [to make a] public excuse to Derby County. I was publicly told that my behaviour was not respecting the principles and integrity that are the basis of the club.
“Many managers and ex-footballers said my behaviour was not respectful.
“The league decided to open an investigation over my behaviour so they will evaluate if I behaved badly.
“One point I would like to talk about is that I am going to make it easy for the investigation of the league. I will give them what they need.
“My goal is to make the investigation easier. I don’t think this will make it worse [with] what I am saying right now. By doing that I assume the possible sanctions they will give me.
“Regarding what I have done, what I have done is not illegal.
“It’s not seen as a good thing but it is not a violation of the law. I know that not everything is legal is right to do. Because you have many things that are legal but they’re not right.
“I didn’t have bad intentions or get a sporting advantage. I did it because it was not illegal or violating a specific law.
“Of course, I have a point of view but it does not mean mine is right. I have to adapt to the rules that are linked to the habits of English football.”
Subscribe to our new podcast, Heineken Rugby Weekly on The42, here:
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Close
15 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic.
Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy
here
before taking part.
Bielsa admits to spying on all Leeds' opponents during bizarre press briefing
MARCELO BIELSA HAS admitted Leeds United have had spies watching every opponent they have faced this season.
The issue of ‘Spygate’ was first raised ahead of Derby County’s visit to Elland Road last Friday when a Leeds employee was caught outside the Rams’ training ground.
Bielsa faced widespread criticism for his actions — not least from Derby boss Frank Lampard — but, at a hastily arranged press briefing this evening, the Argentine conceded it was not an isolated incident.
Leeds issued a statement after the Derby game reminding Bielsa of his responsibilities, while investigations have been launched by the English Football League (EFL) and Football Association (FA).
Bielsa, though, insisted he was not acting illegally, and hoped his honesty would help the investigation.
He added: “I, with the goal of gaining a sports advantage, have been seen to damage fair play. I already said I was responsible for this situation. The person who did it followed my orders and I am the only responsible one.
“My behaviour has been debated and many people have made an opinion. Many have condemned the act of behaviour. They’ve said it was immoral and violated the fair play and cheating.
“The club thought it was obliged [to make a] public excuse to Derby County. I was publicly told that my behaviour was not respecting the principles and integrity that are the basis of the club.
“Many managers and ex-footballers said my behaviour was not respectful.
“The league decided to open an investigation over my behaviour so they will evaluate if I behaved badly.
“One point I would like to talk about is that I am going to make it easy for the investigation of the league. I will give them what they need.
“My goal is to make the investigation easier. I don’t think this will make it worse [with] what I am saying right now. By doing that I assume the possible sanctions they will give me.
“Regarding what I have done, what I have done is not illegal.
“It’s not seen as a good thing but it is not a violation of the law. I know that not everything is legal is right to do. Because you have many things that are legal but they’re not right.
“I didn’t have bad intentions or get a sporting advantage. I did it because it was not illegal or violating a specific law.
“Of course, I have a point of view but it does not mean mine is right. I have to adapt to the rules that are linked to the habits of English football.”
Subscribe to our new podcast, Heineken Rugby Weekly on The42, here:
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Breaking News Championship Derby county FA Football Leeds United Marcelo Bielsa Caldera spy kid