Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa was not prepared to accept the plaudits for the performance his side put in on their long-awaited return to the Premier League after a 4-3 defeat to Liverpool.

The visitors equalised three times but were denied a point at Anfield by an 87th-minute penalty which saw Mohamed Salah complete his hat-trick with his second goal from the spot.

Leeds, back in the top flight after 16 years, put up a good show against the defending Premier League champions but it was not enough for their demanding manager.

“The third one we changed Hendo (Jordan Henderson) not long before and our formation was moving and we didn’t close one gap.

“The back line (of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Joe Gomez, Van Dijk and Andy Robertson) played for England, Holland and Scotland four days ago – all top teams but different ways of defending.

“And if things are not settled early in pre-season defending is not riding a bike – so there is space for improvement.”