Leeds United are just embarking on their two-game Australia tour, having arrived Down Under yesterday and then straight into gym session work. However, maestro manager Marcelo Bielsa stayed behind.
There was much talk of Bielsa not particularly liking preseason games, especially ones that drag his side to literally the other side of the world. These people said that the meticulous nature that resides in the legendary Argentinian means that he prefers to hone his preparations to the nth degree much closer to home.
However, with Leeds United signing up to the two-game jaunt against Premier League side Manchester United and A-League side Western Sydney Wanderers, Bielsa’s hands are pretty much tied. Yet, even still, the Whites supremo has stayed back and will travel out later in readiness for Leeds’ second game against their Australian opponents.
The real reasons for him staying behind will only be known to El Loco himself, yet staying behind does not mean that he is kicking back with his feet up.
Well done @officialbantams. That was a decent run out for the reds and for a great cause. Highlight for me was meeting one of my football heroes. The legend that is @LUFC manager Marcelo bielsa who was sat right a couple of seats away.
— DC (@Advan_Sports_Sc) July 14, 2019
A further tweet from the above Twitter user provides more exact details as to Bielsa’s whereabouts, these coming in clarification to a challenge from a Leeds United fan.
No he isn’t mate. He was at valley parade sat in executive box 19. Right next to me.
— DC (@Advan_Sports_Sc) July 14, 2019
One very interesting snippet comes from the fact that not only was Bielsa spotted there, sat in Executive Box 19, but he was also seen with a pen in hand.
I know mate because he was sat close to me. He had his pen with him like he was taking notes.
— DC (@Advan_Sports_Sc) July 14, 2019
There are even some sneaky pictures of Bielsa taking in the game.
A friend sent me a pic of Bielsa Liverpool Bradford today. Must be watching someone. @LUFC pic.twitter.com/RFDjfAiszf
— David Armitage (@DGArmitage) July 14, 2019
Bielsa taking notes is interesting, what is more interesting is that neither of the sides playing at Valley Parade this afternoon is going to be opponents for Leeds United. So, that opens up the question as to why Marcelo Bielsa attended and was jotting things down.
One idea that is doing the rounds on Twitter, and it isn’t as far-fetched as one would think, is that he was there keeping tabs on Harry Wilson and Ryan Kent, both of whom featured in the game. Wilson and Kent started in an attacking three flanking Rhian Brewster.
The Whites have been heavily linked with the Liverpool duo, with Kent impressing at Rangers and Wilson shining in the Championship last season for Derby County. Whilst both are expected to be sold, with Wilson likely being priced way out of United’s pocket, the fact that Bielsa is taking notes might indicate a late loan plea for one of them.
Alternatively, he could have been keeping tabs on some other of Liverpool’s highly rated youngsters, there were many on display today. Perhaps there’s a transfer twist yet to play out with Leeds United yet.
