Leeds United take on Stoke City on Saturday, and Nathan Jones’ verdict on Spygate will be loved by Whites fans.
Marcelo Bielsa decided to send a spy to Derby County’s training ground before last Friday’s 2-0 win at Elland Road. It has since been criticised and praised in equal measure.
Jermaine Jenas said Leeds should be docked points. Stuart Pearce wants a reversal of the result. Martin Keown said he would be embarrassed to play for Bielsa, with the knowledge that spying was going on.
Keown, of course, was an angel during his playing career. Gifs of his altercation with Ruud van Nistelrooy after the Dutchman missed a penalty against Arsenal were immediately uploaded to Twitter following his comments.
(Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images)
Every manager has been asked about Spygate, after Bielsa produced an “analytical masterclass” during an emergency press conference on Wednesday.
Many have defended him, though the consensus is that it the wrong thing to do. Many are in agreement that they would not have done it, but that the Argentine or Leeds should not be fined.
But it was Jones – manager of Saturday’s opponents Stoke City – who gave the best response so far to Bielsa’s so-called crime. Instead of criticising, or discussing a fine, he gave another take on it.
NJ: I would love to sit down and chat with Marcelo because he is a very good football person. I would invite him down to watch our training sessions if he wanted to come down here. #SCFC
— Stoke City FC (@stokecity) January 18, 2019
Jones has looked at Bielsa’s spying in a different manner. Instead of jumping on the bandwagon and arguing about punishments – he has instead appreciated the work done by the Argentine.
Indeed, the former Luton Town boss – who was described as creative by Bielsa in the week – has shown what any young or new manager should do, look to learn from the best. Perhaps Frank Lampard should be taking note.
(Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Getty Images)
