Middlesbrough manager Tony Pulis has heralded football “obsessed” Leeds United counterpart Marcelo Bielsa in delivering his verdict on the spygate saga that surrounds the Whites.
The Argentine boss stole headlines when he admitted to not only sending scouts to watch Derby County’s training session but to all their opponents during the season and now faces a wait to find out if the EFL will take action over his controversial methods.
Speaking ahead of the clash between the two northern heavyweights, Pulis admitted he held Bielsa in great regard and could not care about Leeds’ spying.
He was quoted by Leeds Live as saying: “He’s clever in what he does. I get on with what I get on with.
“He works really hard to get the best out of people. It’s been interesting reading stuff about him and I had that hour with him when we played and I found it really interesting.”
He has to do what he has to do, the authorities do what they have to do. I have great respect for him. He’s a very, very dedicated man, who’s really obsessed with football. “
“It’s all a game, mate. You can do what you want before a game. The players still have to play. If they don’t perform you have no chance. It’s the players who win and lose the game.”
Opinion
Pulis is one of the old heads when it comes to managers in the Championship and so it is fascinating to hear him be pretty blase about the spying saga going on at Elland Road. Most experienced figures of the English game have said that they feel it is wrong and outside the morals of the sport, so the Boro boss might well find himself in the minority with his verdict. He obviously holds Bielsa in high esteem and understandably so considering the record and reputation he has not only in England but across the globe. They might come from different backgrounds and operate in different ways but as they say, you need to keep your friends close and your enemies closer. It seems Pulis feels he can learn a lot from the Argentine – although rival clubs might not have to keep an eye out for individuals wearing Middlesbrough tracksuits around their training ground any time soon.