Bielsa’s Leeds United host Derby County on Friday night
Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa has admitted sending a club employee to ‘spy’ on Derby County’s training session on Thursday, saying he “accepts all responsibility”.
It was announced on Friday afternoon that the Football Association were investigating claims that a member of Leeds’ coaching staff was spotted acting suspiciously outside Derby’s training facilities on Thursday as Frank Lampard’s side prepared for their clash with the Championship leaders at Elland Road.
Derby confirmed in a statement that they were ‘in discussions with Leeds officials’ over the matter.
Speaking to Sky Sports prior to Friday night’s game, Bielsa confirmed that he was responsible for the incident and didn’t get permission from Leeds to do it.
“I am responsible for this incident,” he said. “It’s not about being legal or illegal or right or wrong.
“Yesterday I talked to Frank Lampard and he told me I didn’t respect the club.
“I have my view but what is important is what Lampard and Derby think.
“I’m responsible for it and didn’t ask the permission of Leeds United to do it.
“I have been using this practice since the qualifications of the World Cup in Argentina.
“It is not illegal and we have talked about it publicly and in the press.”
Leeds started their game against Derby as the Championship leaders, two points ahead of Norwich City. Derby are in sixth, eight points off the summit.
