Pre - Forest Presser with Bielsa and Adam Forshaw - Every word

Whilst we await the transfer deadline at 5 pm BST, it was time for the Forest presser. Leeds play Forest at Elland Road on Saturday 10th August at 12.30 pm BST.

Obviously, there were loads of questions about the impending deadline and the early morning announcement that we had signed France under-20 goalkeeper Illan Meslier on a season-long loan deal from French League 2 side, Lorient this morning.

He’s a good ‘keeper, Marcos Abad knew a lot about. He knew him too. The opinion is of Marcos. In some players, I have more analysts, but in other players, I trust in recommendations. I am not saying I do not control the players, but I give importance to others’ opinions on players. For example, on Ben White, came from Orta.

In the previous season, Orta insisted on White coming here. We have other players to play in this position back then. Now, Victor is pleased the player arrived. This is why for some players I trust other recommendations, Illan came from Abad and White from Orta.

And when asked about whether Illan as number 2....

Talking about the goalkeepers, the right thing is not to think about the way you answer the question. The goalkeeper in the XI, for different reasons, can (?) Then the player on the bench sometimes moves to be the first goalkeeper. Can happen with third choice too.

The third goalkeeper can be the second one. Three goalkeepers have to be like first XI goalkeepers. Of course, there are different levels at the beginning, this is the reason for your question. I am giving you my criteria moving forward.

Asked about his personal opinion on probable Leeds signing Nketiah from Arsenal.....

Nketiah is a young, important player in English football. He’s a player with a very good reputation with other football people. He can be an important player in English football according to others. Abraham, at Villa, Wilson at Derby, Harrison in our case. We think this player has similar features to these names. I know a lot of clubs want him. It’s the same case as with White, he came from Orta. He arrives to the club. Something not easy. We have to link the player to the management of Orta. With dimension Leeds have a club.

When asked about this transfer window generally.....

I think this summer market has been a period of high working time. The club needs some money to solve the FFP situation. Then the club gets this objective. We have sold or more 25 players (?). This is something important for the club and its economy. The players continuing with the club are those who can participate and play a part.

This was important work by those in the window higher up the club.

Can Nketiah replace Roofe?

If Roofe was here we would not sign a third striker. We cannot forget Roofe only played half of last season and in this half he scored 15 goals. If he continued making the same goals in the matches he missed he would be one of the highest scorers in the league. I don’t want to give that responsibility to another player. Of course, as a striker, they have to be linked with their goals.

Costa started on the bench on Sunday - what is your plan for his development?

In football you have a rule that you have to consist of. The rule is that the player is in the better condition plays every game. This rules have a lot more details. You have to think about the result of the other games, conditions during the week, these things. But Helder has the same rules that every player in professional football. He has to have to wish and to have the desire to play

On the injured Tyler Roberts

Tyler Roberts is a very important player for us.

He’s an offensive player with some very clear capabilities so we are missing him. We would like him to be in our unit. We would like to have him now with us for two reasons - the football things but the most important thing is how he is as a human. Now he has another injury which is going to help him to recover. Then from this injury he will start the last part of the recovery process.

He has been working very, very hard and being very professional during this recovery.

The first game at Elland Road and thoughts about Forest?

The same we have every game, expectation. Trying to be better than the opponent

Playing at ER, I want to link this feeling with the future, not the past. We have received a lot from our fans. Of course, the players feeling this support is at ER. In all the games we had the support of our fans. ER is an important date for our team.

Then it was the turn of Adam Forshaw, but he doesn't have quite as much to say!!

Forshaw improving?

Bielsa makes me feel like I want to be a manager. Standards, professionalism. Come to fruition on a Saturday.

Noting things down and what I learn from him.

On Nketiah

Not seen anything of him. I’ve heard he’s quick, that’s all I know about him.

On Roofe

He scored goal, another great lad, but it’s just football. The club moves on.

Hernandez?

Makes things happen. Every team needs someone like that.

Bamford?

Showed every sign of his game. He’s flying and looking fit. Very confident.

Emotion for you after speculation about Phillips

Hasn’t affected him or any of us. Business as usual. Nobody’s spoken about it. Wouldn’t know about any talks behind the scenes. Selfish point of view, I want him here so we can get promoted/.

Back to Elland Road

Can’t wait. Want to put a show on.

Forest?

Same again. Fighting for top-six like Bristol. Every game poses its own threats.

Goalkeeper?

New lads have integrated well. Easy to settle in here. Goalkeeper looks really good, good size.

Transfer window?

I am obsessed with football. I love it. I watch it all with a cup of tea later.

Pivotal coming deep and linking up?

Definitely something I like to get involved in, as an eight to attack and defend between Kalvin and Klichy who defend and attack respectively.

Risks?

Confidence we all have. Tried to tweak as much as possible to add to last season. Push on with that result now.

Last Sunday - describe the role

A system we used end of last season. Worked at it during pre-season. Hopefully we can use moving forward.

And that was it! As usual Bielsa easy to interview and with plenty to say and now its just time to watch the news feeds as we await the final outcome of the transfer deadline.

Marching On Together

@nathen007 #mot #lufc

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