Marcelo Bielsa has spoken about his Leeds United departure and the regrets of how it all ended for the Argentinian they call ‘El Loco’.
As per LeedsLive, nearly a year on from his exit at Elland Road, Marcelo Bielsa has met with Whites fans at a special event in Norway. Members of The Leeds United Supporters Club of Scandinavia requested a meeting with the former Whites coach and he agreed, on two conditions. That the event was free and no more than 100 people are to attend. Bielsa described his four years in West Yorkshire as ‘amazing’ but spoke of his disappointment as to how it came to a halt last March. Leeds was sitting precariously above the relegation places and the fanbase was split on what to do next. Stick with Bielsa and risk relegation, or appoint someone new with a different approach and try and save the season. Ultimately the Elland Road hierarchy decided to relieve him of his duties and appoint Jesse Marsch as his successor. Many still believe the Whites would have stayed up with Bielsa in charge, and some would have risked going down to keep him at the helm, just another measure of the man who the fans simply adored.
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— Leeds United Live (@liveleedsunited) November 26, 2022
Bielsa said, “I still felt loved and respected even if we were in a negative phase, one of the strongest emotions of a human being is being loved and loved unconditionally.”
“What I received from you Leeds supporters is much more than I deserve. I don’t think I am worthy of the recognition you are giving me, because what I did at Leeds, I was paid for. My years in Leeds were amazing. I would have given it all to end it in a better way.”
Would have Bielsa kept us in the Premier League?
Yes, definitely!
No, we were doomed
Not many managers would get the backing of the fans the way Bielsa did at Leeds. Even when results and performances were not going great, they still sang his name in force. He gave the Leeds fans their club back, and made the city fall in love with the game again. After 16 years in the doldrums, the Whites were back to where they belonged, and that was all down to one man, a genius, a true gentleman. Leeds fans will forever be grateful for what he did.
Gracias Marcelo.
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