Marcelo Bielsa’s time at Leeds has been partly characterised by the number of opportunities he has handed young players, but there is one player he feels sorry for – Robbie Gotts.
Jack Clarke and Jamie Shackleton are the most successful youth graduates under the Argentine, at least in terms of minutes, but the likes of Leif Davis and Pascal Struijk have also played a part this season.
It is brave for Bielsa to take such an approach when he is targeting something as difficult as promotion, and if not for the quality of the first-team it is likely that players like Gotts would play more often.
Virtually impossible: Can you name the year all of these Leeds flops arrived at Elland Road?
That is the Leeds boss’ explanation as to why the 20-year-old has seen his minutes limited this term, with Mateusz Klich occupying the position he players. Nevertheless, he feels guilty about his situation even though fans understand the way he is dealing with it. Speaking after Phil Hay provided an update on Gotts, some of the responses can be seen below.
Gotts is seemingly highly rated by Bielsa and supporters would likely be keen for him to get more game time, but with that unlikely to occur they feel it is important he doesn’t leave, so they advocate a loan move instead.
There could be opportunities for him at Leeds however, particularly if he is impressing Bielsa, and since there are other youngsters getting opportunities Gotts may be better placed staying put and learning from Leeds coaching staff.
There are still several games left to play and there is always a chance that injuries and suspensions could take their toll, paving the way for someone like Gotts to come in, and he could use that as encouragement.
Furthermore, the Whites still have the FA Cup to look forward to, and if he continues to work hard in training, as Bielsa alludes to, then he could get his chance at the Emirates.
Some fans have discussed the potential for him to play against Arsenal, and since it is a game where defeat doesn’t mean a great deal, there could be no better opportunity for him to display his talent.
Bielsa is a man who should be trusted given what he’s achieved so far, and supporters have certainly been appreciative of their manager’s efforts in recent weeks.