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Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa refused to rule out continuing to employ the same 'spy' tactics that overshadowed his side's 2-0 win over fellow promotion hopefuls Derby at Elland Road.

And that should be cause for concern for Stoke City with league leaders Leeds at the bet365 Stadium next Saturday.

The build-up to last night's Sky Bet Championship match was dominated by claims from Derby that a man was caught outside their training ground on Thursday. Derbyshire Police were forced to intervene and it transpired the individual was an employee of Leeds who was watching a training session.

Bielsa spoke to Derby boss Frank Lampard over the phone to accept full responsibility and was open about the incident after goals from Kemar Roofe and Jack Harrison secured Leeds a welcome win.

The former Argentina and Chile coach insisted it was not his intention to gain an advantage in a lengthy explanation that saw him admit it is something he has done for a number of years.

"I'm not trying to justify anything," he said. "I've just explained why I feel I'm not a person who cheats and why I accept any reaction this behaviour creates.

"Things are as English football says. I have to respect the habits and traditions of this country.

"I would accept any sanction the club takes against me and any sanction the federation takes against me, and also the judgment of Derby County.

"This episode affects me. Of course the win is important. The only thing I'm going to apologise for is to have contaminated a football game with this subject.

"If I was a child, I would say I won't do it again, but I wouldn't feel right responding like this and would lose credibility.

"I won't say that I won't do it again. It's a childish position to answer like that."

The Football Association is investigating the matter, but were Stoke City the unwitting first victims in England of Bielsa's unconventional approach to management? Although the Potters were soundly beaten at Elland Road on the opening day, it later transpired that the Leeds boss had some unusual ways of getting his message across to his players.

Our original story on "coachgate"...

Most people would say Leeds United thoroughly deserve their win over Stoke City on the first day of the 2018/19 season. Even Potters fans.

Marcelo Bielsa's hard pressing was too much to handle in a crackling atmosphere at Elland Road and Stoke were left licking their wounds after a 3-1 defeat.

But how did Bielsa keep getting his message across through 90 minutes - especially when he still needs an interpreter to speak to the media?

The Sun highlighted one way around the language barrier - and around the rules. Fans spotted men in official club clothing bellowing out instructions from the front row of stands during the game.

"Coaches are instructed to remain in their team’s designated technical area," they write, "but if the personnel in question has a ticket then presumably they are allowed to sit in the allocated seat?"

Leeds fans responded on social media to the sightings.

Darren W wrote: "They were everywhere... saw one next to microphone next to pitch where our subs were warming up. Writing stuff down. I think they need to be more undercover and claim to work for lutv..."

Sam Snaddon wrote: "Was sat in the East I spotted him. He had a mic on, was getting instructions in his ear. Presume one in West as well. Quality this."

Yorkshire77 added: "He moved further up in the second half but let's keep it quiet as I think it's against the rules. He had an ear piece in and actually walked across the back of the goals during half-time. He's a coach, he was instructing Douglas at one point."

Dave Cory said: "This is the attention to detail we have lacked. Bielsa doing a proper job!"

Kevin Wilson said: "I saw him, just in front of the East Stand. Very entertaining he was too. We speculated who he was before it dawned he was coaching. Wonder how long before the corrupt FA/FL ban this sort of thing!"

(Image: Mark Scott)

Gary Rowett's post-match verdict

“Leeds played well, but we helped at times with some of our defending as a team. It was far too easy for someone to play a pass and get round us.

“But we did have some moments in the game. I thought Tom Ince looked bright and James McClean looked bright and it was pleasing Benik (Afobe) getting his first goal for the club.

“But after that you could maybe see the hangover of confidence from last season.

“If that performance makes people realise what they have got to do, then hopefully it will be a positive. We have got good players, but we need to show that in this division. We have to earn the right. We have to show we can fight.”