Controversial pundit sparks backlash by doubling down on big Leeds claim
Kris Boyd refused to admit that he was wrong for claiming that Leeds United are “overrated”, despite their strong season.
The Whites finished the season – their first back in the top flight for 16 years – in ninth. As well as a top-half place, though, Leeds also earned the most points of any promoted team in Premier League history. In fact, a few more wins would have pushed the club to seventh and into Europe.
Many pundits have waxed lyrical about what Marcelo Bielsa and his team have brought to the table this term.
They have not lost to a ‘Big Six’ team, taking at least a point in each of their matches with the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United.
Kris Boyd, however, claimed earlier in the season that the Whites are “overrated and underachieving”.
Asked to redress his claim by Sky Sports host Jeff Stelling prior to Sunday’s win over West Brom, the Scot refused to back down.
He said: “As I said, Wolves came up to the Premier League from the Championship and finished seventh. Sheffield United came up and finished ninth.
“So if Leeds finish above that, then it’s a fantastic season for them.”
Stelling reiterated Leeds’ points record, but Boyd replied: “”Yeah, but who finished higher?
“As Merse [Paul Merson] said earlier, it doesn’t matter how many points you get, as long as you win the league.”
Pundit insists Leeds claim not wrong
Asked to admit to Leeds fans that he was wrong, he added: “I’m not wrong and I will never, ever admit that I was wrong.
“People said that Bielsa was this guru that can do this and do this. As I said, they lost to 4-3 at Anfield and got praise.
“Burnley, Fulham, Brighton went to Anfield and won, but yet Leeds get more praise because they went and scored three goals.”
Stelling insisted that those results came during Liverpool’s torrid run of form earlier in the season.
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However, Boyd added: “I’m never going to admit I’m wrong, Jeff and as I said, if they finish above ninth then I might come back. But at this moment in time, no.”
Bielsa’s contract – as per usual – runs out in the summer. However, reports claim that he has agreed another extension and will gear up for a busy summer transfer window.
Pablo Hernandez and Gaetano Berardi will leave and the manager offered his parting words to the pair in his post-match press conference.
READ MORE: Bielsa talks Euro 2020 chances for Phillips; hails Leeds trait in big win
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