Franck Leboeuf and Christophe Dugarry, two members of France’s 1998 World Cup winning squad, have told RMC Sport, per Sport Witness, that the way Marcelo Bielsa treats players and journalists is “a bit autistic”.
The duo were discussing Bielsa and the ‘Spygate’ drama with RMC Sport co-presenter Jean-Louis Tourre, when Leboeuf noted how the Argentine head coach had blanked Steve Mandanda in a lift when the Frenchman was captain of Marseille.
“He’s somebody I don’t like. I don’t like his life philosophy. I don’t like how he manages a group and for me, he’s shown nothing,” claimed Leboeuf.
Dugarry then added: “It’s the way he treats people, journalists, it’s a bit autistic, isn’t it?”
“They [Pep Guardiola and Mauricio Pochettino] were inspired by certain things, but he [Bielsa] isn’t their mentor at all. They were also inspired by Mourinho, by all the other managers.”
“He’s a manager, I’d hope he’d help players progress. He’s not completely stupid, but to say he’s the one who inspired Guardiola or Pochettino, that’s false. That’s completely false.”
The pair went on to mock the Whites boss for his involvement in the ‘Spygate’ drama, before Tourre was shut down as he attempted to back up Bielsa’s involvement in the careers of Guardiola and Pochettino.
The rather, bold, comments by the French World Cup winners easily raised a reaction from the Elland Road faithful…
As a lifelong season ticket holder at Leeds, I can say without fear of contradiction that Bielsa has brought a way of playing and a desire to win that I haven’t seen before. O Leary’ s ‘babies’ we’re great, but it took a shit load if money to build that team.
— Kelly’s Eye???????? (@RRHand808) February 6, 2019
Pair of washed up pundits… both average footballers in the grand scheme of things. Who really cares what they think. The Autism reference is out of order too, I wonder what level of expertise they have in this area?? Very disrespectful on both parties.
— Chris ???????? (@LUFC_Dale63) February 6, 2019
How many more clueless “pundits” are gonna use Leeds and Bielsa as a platform. “Spygate” is the best thing that’s ever happened to them.
— Mikey Butler ???????? (@MikeyButler1) February 6, 2019
What have these two achieved as managers, bit like Keith the barnet Andrews, nothing
— David 282k???????? (@davidkerr2821) February 6, 2019
That’s an absolutely disgraceful comment.
— Mike (@LeedsMJ84) February 6, 2019
Leboeuf- what’s his beef?
— suebydoo ???????? (@suebydoo4) February 6, 2019
Pair of haters who deep down wish they became managers.
— ???????? (@lufcbielsa) February 6, 2019
A bit autistic you can talk about calling his comments stupid or attacking him but why would you disrespect autistic people it’s out of order that’s something that shouldn’t be tolerated
— Donal Power (@DonalPower5) February 6, 2019
That’s the beauty of free speech. No matter how stupid you are, you can air your views. But to actually deny facts…is there going to be another dumb and dumber movie? Could be an opening there.
— In Spyte of it All ???????? (@aclr1972) February 6, 2019