Football: Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa admits sending spy to Derby training

Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa.
Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa. Photo credit: Reuters

Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa has admitted sending a member of his coaching staff to spy on Derby County before their English Championship match on Saturday (NZ time).    

Derby said earlier that local police had spoken to a man acting suspiciously on Friday outside their training ground.   

"It's true there was someone from Leeds United. I am responsible for this incident," former Argentina manager Bielsa told Sky Sports before the match at Leeds' Elland Road.   

"Yesterday, I talked to [Derby manager] Frank Lampard, and he told me that, for him, I didn't respect the fair-play rules.   

"I have a different point of view on it, but the important thing is what Frank Lampard and Derby County think.   

"I am the only [one] responsible for it because I didn't ask for the permission of Leeds United to do that. Without trying to find a justification, I've been using this kind of practice since the qualifications for the World Cup with Argentina. This is not illegal.   

"For some people, it's the wrong thing to do and, for other people, it's not the wrong thing to do," said Bielsa who coached Argentina from 1998-2004.   

A clearly unimpressed Lampard downplayed suggestions they would complain to the EFL.   

"I don't think we need to, because he's admitted it, so it's easily dealt with. It's up to the league to see how they deal with it," Lampard said.   

"Obviously, it's not just Derby County. We had somebody the day before our first game against them which we lost 4-1. Now Leeds can beat you 4-1, they're a fantastic team, but we had somebody in the bushes that day, twice this season now."   

Derby said they were talking to Leeds' officials.   

An English Football League spokesman said: "We are aware of the reports in relation to an incident at the training ground of Derby County.   

"It is, of course, up to Derby County as to how they progress this matter but, as of yet, we have received no complaint or contact from the club."   

And, the English FA said: "We are aware of the incident at Derby County's training ground, and we will be investigating the matter."   

In the match, Championship leaders Leeds beat Derby 2-0.   

Roofe and Harrison scored as players put aside the Bielsa drama to give Leeds a five-point Championship lead before Saturday's fixtures.

After the game, Bielsa again acknowledged the controversy surrounding the match build-up but denied he was a cheat.   

"If for English football it is not acceptable, I have to accept it because I work here," he told Sky Sports.   

"I have to accept the fact that in this country it is not common (to watch other teams train), but it does not make me a person who cheats."   

On whether he would send someone to 'spy' again, he answered: "I think I have expressed myself well, so you can make your own opinions".

Reuters