Stuart Dallas says Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa had inculcated faith in the side that they could win over Premier League leaders Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday.
Leeds pulled off an extraordinary 2-1 victory away to champions-elect Manchester City on Saturday with Dallas scoring both goals a brace for him, the second came in injury time.
Bielsa’s side had to play the whole of the second half with 10 men after Liam Cooper was dismissed for a lunge on Gabriel Jesus shortly before the break. Leeds doing the unexpected that shows the caliber of their manager.
“We went to Manchester City to win the game, whether people call us crazy or naïve that’s their opinion. said Marcelo Bielsa
“He (Bielsa) showed a belief in us that we can go to these places and get a result. Of course, we’re not going to win the league but we’re more than capable of putting in a performance and we’ve shown that throughout the season.
“We’ve been criticized at times for how we’ve played and again it’s a matter of opinion but that just shows what type of manager he is.
“He gives us, as players, the belief. He does everything he can, him and his staff throughout the week, to give us the best opportunity to go to these places and get a result.
“Of course like on Saturday when you go down to 10 men the game plan changes but you’ve seen how we defended, we were close to each other in defense, we got tackles in and we ran forward at the right times.
“I’m sure he may not take credit for getting that result but believe me he had a big part to play in it.
“He’s different, he’s unique the way he sees a game and there would have been no prouder man on Saturday than him. Deep down inside he’ll be buzzing.
Marcelo just wants to see the team do its best. He sets very high standards and players have come to demand it of themselves now.
Dallas said “it’s great to work under a manager like him, it’s incredible the transformation he’s made in my career. I’ve worked under a lot of good managers in the past but for him to believe in me and show confidence in me has been incredible. He’s been a joy to work with and hopefully, there are a few more years to come yet.”
