Kiko Casilla under pressure, Kalvin Phillips impetus, Marcelo Bielsa must back up Brentford point - Leeds United Talking Points

Kiko Casilla piles more pressure on himself

The last thing Kiko Casilla needed was another mistake.

Unfortunately, though, the former Real Madrid stopper failed to the collect a back pass from Liam Cooper in the 25th minute at Griffin Park before losing his footing.

The slip allowed Bees forward Said Benrahma to capitalise as he tapped home into an empty net while Casilla was crestfallen on the deck.

Bielsa's number one made it three games in a row with a high profile mistake after his failure to deal with a deflected Wigan corner was followed by a near-post Sammy Ameobi strike flying through him at Nottingham Forest.

Leeds' failure to convert at the opposite end means that there can be no lapses in concentration in their own box.

The Spaniard has come under fire from supporters, with United's head coach admitting afterwards he doesn't need to speak to him about his errors.

"I don't think that Kiko needs my words because I always support him with decisions," he said.

"Because I know the human qualities of the players of Leeds, I think Casilla will receive support from his team-mates and not a loss of confidence from them."

Illan Meslier is the club's second option in goal and fans saw a glimpse of his abilities in the FA Cup third round at Arsenal last month.

Calls have been made for the Frenchman to be handed another chance by Bielsa, and the Argentine now has another decision to make over whether he continues with a goalkeeper low on confidence with 14 games remaining.

Kalvin's return add impetus

It is no surprise that the return of Kalvin Phillips saw Leeds become dominant once again.

The 24-year-old was back from his three game suspension at Brentford and all was right with the world again.

Phillips allowed Ben White to return into the heart of defence and saw Mateusz Klich take on a more attacking role in which he relished against the Bees.

Bielsa's defensive midfielder looked refreshed after his enforced break and was in total control as he cut out attacks and spread the play with ease.

Leeds know that with Phillips in that kind of form automatic promotion is still very much in their hands.

Frank retracts 'fear' comments

Brentford boss Thomas Frank was quick to retract his pre-match comments. The 46-year-old said Leeds would "fear" going to Griffin Park, but boy was he wrong.

Not only did the Whites dominate his side they should've probably edged all three points in the capital.

He blamed the media for mixing his words - though we'll ignore that his own club's website put the story out - and moved to correct the situation post-game.

"I don't do mind games," he said.

"I think it was very well done by some of you journalists that took things out of context. I said that you know how much I admire Bielsa and I think Leeds are one of the best teams. But with all the history and their current form and what Bielsa said about us in the press, they think we're a very good team.

"Maybe they didn't fear us but I promise you they knew it would be a difficult task. They definitely respected us."

Must back up the Bees point

Following the draw at Brentford the Whites now have back-to-back home games at Elland Road.

Bristol City make the trip to West Yorkshire this Saturday before Reading are the visitors the following weekend.

Leeds may well find themselves out of the top two on Wednesday evening but a strong showing at Griffin Park must now be backed up by two home wins in the promotion race.

With 14 games to go Bielsa has seen his sides advantage in the Championship table disappear but a return to form is a must.

The Whites can now reset and getting back to winning ways on home soil as the season enters the final stages could prove pivotal with a place in the Premier League up for grabs.