Look, even a blind man with the lack of full functioning brain could tell you that Marcelo Bielsa’s arrival at Elland Road has breathed new life into Leeds United.
After a disappointing 2017/18 campaign under first Thomas Christiansen, then Paul Heckingbottom Leeds United ended more than a mediocre side. So, with Heckingbottom being shuffled onward, you could excuse the disbelief that rang around when it became apparent that rumours United were in for legendary, genius coach Bielsa were proved to have some foundation.
This was a coach who’d managed both Argentina and Chile at World Cups, whose Bilbao side had taken Manchester United to the cleaners, whose reputation and coaching prowess had Premier League managers such as Pep Guardiola and Mauricio Pochettino hanging on his every word and lauding him to the highest.
Bielsa’s arrival had immediate effects in his first season. His imposition of a strict style of play, his imposition of designated methods and his imposition of a Bielsa ethos led to the Whites finishing third and in the play-offs. Yes, they suffered that traditional Leeds drop-off and, yes, they got knocked out in the semi-finals after a typical Leeds performance and collapse against Derby County at Elland Road.
This season though, this season has seen a much-improved Leeds United and Bielsa’s tactics have driven the Whites to the top of the league. That merciless press is still evident, that attacking intent is still frightening opponents. Yet, it seems that the legendary Argentinian has tweaked a meaner defence this season – Leeds having only conceded 10 goals across 21 Championship fixtures.
Such improvement has invigorated fans, fans already dreaming of a Premiership promotion. This event, thinks Athletic journalist Phil Hay, might be the key to Bielsa’s future at Elland Road. In a classic ‘bad news/good news’ scenario, Hay’s responses to questions from Leeds United fans lays this out plainly.
The ‘bad news’ scenario
in the Championship
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) December 13, 2019
The ‘good news’ scenario
yeah, I think he would
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) December 13, 2019
Opinion
Hay’s views are well respected by Leeds United fans thanks to his previous role as chief football writer at the Yorkshire Evening Post. In that capacity, he became a go-to figure with many United fans seeing him as ‘Mr Leeds’ when it came to news. His views, such as can be seen above, carry a degree of gravitas and are often seen as the final word on topics.
What final word “Yeah, I think he would” could prove to be for Leeds United fans hoping for an extended Bielsa stay at Elland Road. Right, so promotion is is them – the Whites had better crack on and achieve it.
