Leeds, under Bielsa, always took the game to the opposition, no matter who it was, regardless of the consequences.
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A sleeping giant. That is what Leeds United were for what seemed like an eternity. 16 years indeed is a long time for a club, that once was one of the strongest in England, to be out of the country’s top footballing division. When Leeds went down in the early part of the century, fans had probably felt like their stay in the lower divisions would be a short one, that a messiah would arrive soon enough and take them back where they belonged. It did not happen as soon as they might have expected, but a messiah did arrive eventually. A footballing genius, a man with the mentality of a winner, and one of the finest managers in world football. This man was Marcelo Bielsa and he is arguably the most significant personality Leeds United have had since the turn of the century.
If there was one word to describe Bielsa, it would be fearless. It was not his mannerisms that leads one to draw this conclusion. Sure, he is someone who does not shy away from tough situations, someone who always speaks his mind, and sometimes unnecessarily aggressive. However, what actually makes him fearless is the style of football he ingrains in the players he coaches. Under his watch, Leeds United played the beautiful game on a whole different level.
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It is difficult for smaller teams in the Premier League to play a high pressing game. Usually against bigger teams, they sit back, soak in the pressure, and wait for an opportune moment to counter. Not Bielsa’s Leeds. The Argentine was simply not going to have his players bullied by the pressing of another team while they sit back and wait. Leeds always took the game to the opposition, no matter who it was, regardless of the consequences.
The best part is that although that tactic might seem reckless, Leeds executed it to near perfection on several occasions. Sure, there were times when it backfired and they were absolutely battered, but the players never lost the will and motivation to go on the offensive. It was a thing of sheer brilliance, just witnessing that mentality in itself was an unforgettable experience.
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Fearless football. That would be the perfect description of Bielsa’s style of football. That phrase perfectly encompasses what the 66-year-old Argentine instills in his players. The hunger, the fight, and the will to win. These are qualities every football fan wants their team to have, and that is something Leeds exuberated throughout Bielsa’s tenure there.
As he bids adieu to Elland Road, one thing is for certain. Those in the iconic white jersey that walk the streets of the city of Leeds will sing the name of Marcelo Bielsa for an eternity, as he was the messiah who, despite all trials and tribulations, got the job done.
