LEEDS OWNER Andrea Radrizzani has blasted manager Marcelo Bielsa for his extraordinary Spy-Gate press conference.
The defiant Argentine, 64, held an astonishing 70-minute press briefing in January after the club were investigated for sending a staff member to spy on Championship rivals Derby.
2
2
Bielsa used the opportunity to showcase to the media his extensive managerial analysis.
Yet he also admitted he had spied on the training session of EVERY league team he had faced in the 2018-19 season.
Even though they did not break any specific rule, Leeds were fined £200,000 by the EFL – which Bielsa paid out of his own pocket.
But for the first time, owner Radrizzani has revealed his unhappiness that it was conducted in public and not behind closed doors.
Speaking in the Amazon Prime Video documentary ‘Take Us Home’, Italian businessman Radrizzani said: “We should not be in this position.
“We could easily not be in this position because the press conference of Marcelo was unnecessary.
‘POINTLESS’
“So, he could have done this to explain to the EFL representatives or the FA representative. But I think it was pointless to do it publicly in my opinion.
“Unnecessary. I mean he could have explained the same content to the federation and league – why to the public?”
Leeds CEO Angus Kinnear said the club did not accept the size of the EFL sanction, saying: “On the basis that we didn’t break any specific rule, I think the fine was severe.
“When you look at when other clubs have been fined either for financial irregularity or how their fans have behaved or how their players have behaved, it was harsh.”
The six-part documentary, which is out Friday on Amazon Prime Video, also shows the final stages of the collapsed Daniel James transfer from Swansea to Leeds.
The 21-year-old had passed his Leeds medical, chose his squad number, posed for photos and even discussed a potential house move before his January transfer deal was pulled by the Swansea board at the last minute.
James remained in South Wales for the rest of the Championship season but joined Manchester United instead this summer.
-
- Take Us Home: Leeds United launches on Prime Video today.
