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John Giles' verdict on Bielsa and Spygate

John Giles feels the most relevant aspect of Spygate is that spying on the opposition is a point...



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John Giles' verdict on Bielsa and Spygate

John Giles feels the most relevant aspect of Spygate is that spying on the opposition is a pointless exercise.

The Leeds United legend was discussing his former club on Off The Ball. It's been a week where manager Marcelo Bielsa admitted that they've spied on every team they've faced this season.

John believes "there should be a law" against spying on the opposition. But more importantly, the Ireland great feels it's also a waste of time and effort.

"I wouldn't agree with it anyway. I think the actual spying thing is exaggerated - as in the benefits," he said.

Ridiculous

"It's absolutely ridiculous. And I don't agree with what he did and his response to it has been 'I've always done it'".

On the press briefing Bielsa delivered, John said, "What he did yesterday was very, very clever with the newspaper lads where he showed them that he'd known Derby and watched them six or seven or eight times before."

But John also feels Bielsa would be better served focusing on his own team, rather than obsessing over opponents.

"What's the point to it? There's no gain in it," he said.

"I can understand why he's doing it. But the experience he's had over the years, if it counts to little or nothing then you have to say in this day and age, then why do you do it?

"Well, what he's saying is that 'where I come from, it's not illegal'. It's not illegal. But to be honest, I never thought of doing it [when I was a manager]. And I didn't believe in watching the opposition all that much anyway."

John also discussed the pros and cons of opposition analysis from his own time to today.

You can watch John's full take on the matter above via our YouTube and on our podcast player. You can also listen to John's thoughts on the game every Thursday on Off The Ball.

 

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Read more about

Football John Giles Leeds Marcelo Bielsa Off The Ball Sport Spygate