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Marcelo Bielsa accuses Arsenal's Eddie Nketiah of "underestimating" Leeds United

Bielsa accuses Nketiah of
© Reuters
Leeds United head coach Marcelo Bielsa says that Arsenal forward Eddie Nketiah had unrealistic expectations regarding his playing time while on loan at Elland Road.

Leeds United head coach Marcelo Bielsa has criticised Arsenal forward Eddie Nketiah for having unrealistic expectations about his loan spell at Elland Road.

Nketiah spent the first half of the campaign with the Championship title contenders, contributing five goals from four starts and 15 appearances in all competitions.

However, the 20-year-old was left unhappy with the amount of game time he was given, resulting in Arsenal recalling the England Under-21 international in January.

Commenting on the prospect's time in Yorkshire, Bielsa feels that it was wrong for the Gunners or Nketiah to expect regular starts upon his arrival.

At a press conference, the Argentine told reporters: "Nketiah arrived here because Leeds was the ideal place to grow, because it was me who was going to coach him

"I know who I am and I don't believe those messages. Everything around the transfer of Eddie was a lie, Nketiah came to play. In any way. He didn't play and he left.

"But even worse, because I, in two situations, I put [Patrick] Bamford on the bench and in two months he was with us, he wasn't able to play. Players do preseason. One player in six months plays two matches, thinks he will arrive to one club and play is underestimating what Leeds is as a club, a team and an institution."

Since returning to Arsenal, Nketiah has made one start and two substitute appearances.

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