This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…
Marcelo Bielsa’s pre-Cardiff City press conference was a rather interesting one.
The presser was longer than usual, and when Bielsa is talking for a lengthy period of time then you know that he probably has something worth listening to.
This time a key topic of conversation was his usage of young players, in particular, Robbie Gotts.
The Argentine was very open and honest about how he felt about the youngster’s place in the squad as he claimed that he can’t play him at the moment, but went on to admit that he feels guilty about that and he’d understand if he wanted to leave.
“In another moment I said to Robbie that I really wish that he stays with us. But I would understand if he thought at this moment it was better for him to leave, I would understand this,” he commented.
To be fair to Bielsa, this is a very mature way of handling Gotts’ situation as he’s stated that the door is open for him to walk away from the club. While this wasn’t explicitly stated you’d expect that to be a loan deal rather than a permanent one after seeing two senior figures at the club heap praise upon him earlier in the season.
However, despite the door being open for the youngster, he shouldn’t be keen to get out of Elland Road anytime soon.
Although he’s not made his debut yet, the 20-year-old is now a true member of the first-team as he’s one of the 24 players Bielsa talks about that train with the senior squad. Therefore, even though he isn’t playing he’s learning his trade under a brilliant manager.
If he leaves for another club he won’t be ready to immediately step into the Argentine’s first-team upon his return as there are very few coaches that force their players to train as hard as Bielsa does.
Gotts may have an escape route from Elland Road, but irrespective of game time, he shouldn’t want to use it.
Meanwhile, Phil Hay’s recent transfer update has shown how Leeds can kill two birds with one stone.