Marcelo Bielsa takes the blame for Leeds’ defensive failings after West Ham defeat

Leeds are 11th but have the third-worst defensive record in the division

Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa (Pool via REUTERS)

Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa said he had to take some of the blame for his side’s defensive failings after they were beaten by high-flying West Ham United.

Goals from Jesse Lingard and Craig Dawson handed Leeds a fourth defeat in five games on Monday night.

The Yorkshire club, who returned to the top flight this season after a 16-year absence, are 11th but have the third-worst defensive record, conceding 46 goals in 27 games.

Only Crystal Palace (47) and West Bromwich Albion (56) have conceded more.

“When a team concedes as many goals as we do, I can’t ignore that reality,” Bielsa said afterwards.

“Having defenders who have played so well, you wonder why we concede so many.

“In this case, there’s a responsibility from myself because if you have good footballers to recover the ball and the team concedes, inadvertently the coach is involved.”

Leeds host fourth-placed Chelsea on Saturday.

Reuters