Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa has called an emergency press conference for 5pm on Wednesday, as the Spy Gate controversy rumbles on.
Bielsa has been widely criticised for sending a spy to Derby County's training ground in order to learn Frank Lampard's tactics in the run up to their Championship clash, which Leeds went on to win 2-0.
The Argentine coach has been unrepentant in the wake of the criticism, despite Leeds United offering Derby an apology for their coach's actions. Bielsa has even gone as far to say that he would spy on clubs again, arguing that it would be 'childish' of him to say he wouldn't:
I'm not trying to justify anything. I've just explained why I feel I'm not a person who cheats and why I accept any reaction this behaviour creates.
Things are as English football says. I have to respect the habits and traditions of this country.
I would accept any sanction the club takes against me and any sanction the federation takes against me, and also the judgment of Derby County.
This episode affects me. Of course the win is important. The only thing I'm going to apologise for is to have contaminated a football game with this subject.
If I was a child, I would say I won't do it again, but I wouldn't feel right responding like this and would lose credibility.
I won't say that I won't do it again. It's a childish position to answer like that.
It is unclear as to the exact nature of the press conference, though reports are suggesting that the 63-year-old is set to resign following the 'Spygate' controversy:
An impromptu press conference called by Marcelo Bielsa for 5pm this evening. Spygate. Suspect this might not be a diplomatic venture. #lufc
— Phil Hay (@PhilHayYEP) January 16, 2019
We've just been told that Marcelo Bielsa is ‘set to resign’ as @LUFC manager https://t.co/ZTwGMymhHB
— Ian McCourt (@ianmccourt) January 16, 2019
Marcelo Bielsa has called an emergency press conference for 5pm at Thorp Arch. #lufc
— Joe Urquhart (@JoeUrquhartYEP) January 16, 2019
There have been widespread calls for Leeds to be punished for the incident, and despite the fact that no law had been broken Stuart Pearce has proffered that the club's 2-0 win over Derby should be reversed:
@talkSPORTdrive Adrian, here's one for your #HeadsGone.
Stuart Pearce says the #LUFC spy affected #DCFC and therefore result should be reversed. Next sentence he admits I'd didn't affect result.
He looks and talks like he just came out of the pub. pic.twitter.com/2wJx4zqUAR— Dave Wallis ?? (@WallisDave) January 16, 2019
Other pundits such as Stan Collymore have argued that Leeds should be hit with a points deduction, though if Bielsa leaves Yorkshire with his side top of the table, you would feel that his resignation, in and of itself, would be more than ample punishment for the club.
