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Marcelo Bielsa discusses Barry Douglas exit in Leeds press conference
Marcelo Bielsa has told his pre-Wolves press conference – – that Barry Douglas’ exit from Leeds United has made him “very sad” after the defender completed a move to Blackburn Rovers on Friday.
Douglas, 31, has ended a two-year spell at Leeds with a season-long loan move to Blackburn. A move, though, spells the end of his time at Leeds as his contract comes to an end next summer. He managed just 44 appearances for the Whites.
However, the one-time Scotland international was well-respected in the changing room at Leeds and the reaction on social media has been an emotional one from a Leeds perspective. Victor Orta also posted an open letter to the left-back.
Asked about the defender’s exit in his pre-Wolves press conference on Friday afternoon, Leeds boss Bielsa stated that the loan move has made him sad and he regrets failing to make Douglas have more of a successful spell at Elland Road.
“It makes me very sad he has left our team because during the two years he has been with us he has made a significant contribution. He’s an impeccable professional,” “He’s a very respected member within the team.
“I regret a little he was not able to triumph with us. Finally, it was decided between the club, myself and Douglas he should leave for Blackburn. I wish him all the best because he really deserves it. I regret I wasn’t able to make him triumph with us.”
TBR’s view – Are Leeds right to get rid of Douglas?
Bielsa claimed in the press conference that he considers Stuart Dallas, Gjanni Alioski and rookie Leif Davis above Douglas in the left-back pecking order. But is that right? Should Douglas really be so low down in his thinking?
An experienced professional, Douglas’ best season came with Wolves in 2017-18. He scored five goals and laid on a whopping 15 assists. No, he did not manage to recreate that form at Leeds, but he was still a crucial player.
If Douglas impresses at Blackburn and is able to rediscover his Wolves form, Leeds will have made a mistake.
