Leeds United hired a maverick in Marcelo Bielsa, a manager dubbed El Loco – the Crazy One – and Whites supporters have been lauding the Argentine ever since.
He narrowly missed out on guiding the club to the long-awaited promised land of top-flight football in his first attempt, and holds the best points per game average of any head coach to have stepped inside Elland Road on a permanent basis.
Bielsa has kicked off the new campaign promisingly, too, with two wins and a draw on the board, as Leeds sit top of the Championship table helped by holding the second-best offensive and second-best defensive records in the division thus far.
For many Whites supporters, what Bielsa does off the field is just as important, with the Argentine regularly spotted walking around Leeds, enjoying what West Yorkshire has to offer, and taking pictures with fans.
Whites supporters certainly cannot get enough of that last part, as fans have been lauding Bielsa’s name once more on social media lately, after he replied to one supporter’s letter.
Terry Felipe had written to the boss wishing to share how grateful he was that the 64-year-old is our head coach, and received a response days later from Rodolfo Diego Flores – one of Bielsa’s assistants – with a personal message from the Argentine.
“I received a letter from you,” Bielsa’s message read. “I read it and I really appreciate your words.
“The staff and myself do our best to improve every day and try to achieve what we are looking for.
“I wish you a great year.”
I sent a letter to Marcelo Bielsa a few days ago, saying how grateful I am to have him as #lufc manager. Today I received this response… just when you thought you couldn’t love the man any more. @Newells_en @LUFC @GrahamSmyth @PhilHay_ @apopey @Tim_Vickery pic.twitter.com/O6VzturteR
— Terry Felipe (@eltel89) August 19, 2019
When Felipe shared the boss’ response on Twitter, he captioned it: “Just when you thought you couldn’t love the man any more.”
And it seems the Elland Road faithful agreed, judging by these replies…
Like I keep saying, if all guys were like him, what a wonderful world we would live in! ????????
— karenp. ???????????????? (@karenpr93568921) August 19, 2019
There should be something in Leeds representing this great man he’s an absolute credit to Leeds and the rest of the footballing world! I will be forever greatful to the man regardless of the outcome! Radz & Orta deserve a lot of credit! ????????MOT
— ian grundy (@Grundy1976Ian) August 19, 2019
Man of few words but he’s class all the way
— Linflo, (@Linflo6) August 19, 2019
I love that man , not since the great Don Revie ( I’m old enough to have watched those great years) have I been so excited about what we’re witnessing #Lufc
— Stuart Weinstock (@StuartWeinstoc1) August 19, 2019
I am convinced he is Don Revie reincarnated.
— Jonathan Hill (@JontyHill14) August 19, 2019
I’m sobbing
— Ashleigh (@ashlaurenn_) August 19, 2019
I love this man, I just can’t see Leeds without him. Don’t think don’t think don’t think
— Kevin Melve Rowlands (@melve2010) August 19, 2019
My only worry about having Bielsa as coach is that he sets a standard, as a coach and as a human being, which no potential successor will ever be able to live up to. A total one off. A hero amongst men.
— Martin Atkin (@MrMartinAtkin) August 19, 2019
Brilliant. What a guy.
— Kayray (@KatieLUFC) August 19, 2019
He is brilliant, he sent me a signed piece of artwork that I had sent over and in record time too. Such a nice guy
— Daniel (@falsenine_82) August 19, 2019
Just superb. Brilliant time to be a leeds fan. I’m always jealous of those who grew up watching the Revie years but it really is something special to be here for what’s going on under Bielsa.
— Nicoli (@Nicoli_Stavris) August 19, 2019
he’s changed our club for good now, how we play football now will be set in stone for future generations ????????????????????
— Simmo (@1simmo1) August 19, 2019
Everything about the man oozes class. We are so lucky to have him ????
— Andy♦️ (@AndyLUFC_) August 19, 2019
He has changed this club forever. Nobody will ever come close
— George Lindley (@GJLindley) August 19, 2019