A short while ago, Leeds United confirmed the termination of Marcelo Bielsa as manager after 4 years at the helm of the peacocks. The decision comes due to a turbulent campaign so far for the Whites, and they currently sit 2 points off the relegation zone.
Leeds also set an unfortunate record this month, as they conceded 20 goals in February in the league.
Despite all the blushes, the Argentine’s reign at the club will undoubtedly be remembered fondly.
The enigmatic Argentine brought hope and belief to a fanbase who considered their club to be ‘unmanageable’.
From ‘murder ball’ to his faithful buckets, Bielsa has certainly left a cultural impact on the league, and many fans online were saddened to hear about the departure of ‘El Loco’.
An entertainer –
There aren’t many coaches in the world who have the privilege of being known as a ‘madman’ and still be held in high regard, Bielsa was one such figure. The Argentine bizarrely spectated games from the comfort of a solitary bucket and in the era of vocal, expressive coaches, Bielsa was a rather reserved one. Nevertheless, whenever the Argentine chose to express himself, he certainly made it memorable. And under his reign, Leeds United were one of the most entertaining sides in the Premier League.
As a neutral, Bielsa is one of the coaches that made the league entertaining. He brought genuine variety and innovation to the league, admittedly with mixed results.
— gunnerblog (@gunnerblog) February 27, 2022
If Leeds were on the box, I’d watch. On that basis alone, I’m sad to see him go.
As a neutral, I’m extremely sad to see Marcelo Bielsa leave Leeds. He’s a football idealist with incredibly strong tactical principles who, apart from anything else, has always struck me as a genuinely sound human being. The Premier League will be a poorer place without him. pic.twitter.com/o6XxilSrCK
— HLTCO (@HLTCO) February 27, 2022
Honestly I’ll miss Bielsa. Innovative, box office tactician with ideas that are almost completely unseen in the Premier League, extremely entertaining, and makes games so much more exciting. Not to mention the 6 free points for United 😉
— Aaron Moniz (@amonizfootball) February 27, 2022
The league will be worse without him
An authentic character –
Bielsa always spoke his mind, through a translator of course. The Argentine was not one for mincing words or answering diplomatically, a prime example is the iconic press conference, one in which he tactically broke down rivals Derby County. Aside from this, there are no doubts that at his core, Bielsa was a football person, and by the end of his reign, he was all Leeds.
Never take it for granted that we got to watch Bielsa manage in the Premier League. A human life-force who has transformed the game with his ideas and methodology. An authentic character in a world of posturing and fakery. We will not see his like again
— Men in Blazers (@MenInBlazers) February 27, 2022
Galvanized a whole city –
To say Bielsa changed Leeds’ culture would be an understatement. Fans saw managers come and go, none offering a ray of hope, and then out of nowhere came along a 62-year-old Argentine with an insane reputation.
While his style of play was often high stakes, the Argentine made Whites’ fans believe they can take on anyone, and a glance at the side’s stats confirm that his players felt so as well. He leaves the Peacocks with more fond memories than unsavoury and has undoubtedly changed their modern history for the better.
Galvanised a city and made us all dream again! Turned water into wine and brought us back to the big time… Bielsa that! pic.twitter.com/7nEmhSKl2X
— David Brown (@Brownie89) February 27, 2022
Spare a thought for the translator –
A signature sight of Bielsa’s reign was the appearance of this gentleman, namely Andres Clavijo. While his job distinction was of 1st Team Performance analyst, many know him for translating Bielsa’s thoughts for the audience. Perhaps it was a compliment that Bielsa trusted only Andres to convey his thoughts with utmost sanctity.
Naturally everyone upset about Marcelo Bielsa but spare a thought for Andres Clavijo his translator – thanks for your hardwork translating Marcelo’s thoughts.#lufc #mot
— Stu 💙💛🏆 (@Stuawil19) February 27, 2022
You will never be forgotten. #lufc pic.twitter.com/YJCntesuCr
— MOT (@lufcwozzaa) February 26, 2022
