'Could be around the corner' - Former Manchester United coach admits Leeds United fears over 'mental and physical fatigue'

Meulensteen worked at Old Trafford under Sir Alex Ferguson before going on to manage Fulham, Maccabi Haifa and Kerala Blasters.

Currently, the Dutchman is the assistant manager of the Australian national team, a role he has occupied since 2018.

A number of pundits have weighed in with their verdict on Bielsa’s style of play – which Meulensteen himself is very much fond of.

However, and he isn't the first to say this, the 56-year-old believes Bielsa’s demands may come at a cost during the latter stages of the season.

“I’m a big fan of Bielsa in the style he wants to play,” said Meulensteen, speaking to Sky Sports’ Football Show.

"What I like about is it’s high energy, it’s dynamic, it’s flooding players forward – I don’t think there are any misunderstandings for the players.

"For every player stepping on the pitch, they know exactly what their jobs are, what they need to do, however, it is so demanding, physically and mentally.

"We’ve seen with Liverpool in early parts of the season and eventually you come to a point where mental and physical fatigue can kick in.

"I think that’s a little problem Liverpool had a few weeks ago but this is something I think could be around the corner for Leeds.”

Leeds missed out on promotion in Bielsa’s first campaign in charge but quickly bounced back to end their 16-year Premier League absence.

Bielsa’s side lifted the Championship title with a 10-point advantage over second placed West Bromwich Albion.