Leeds United have a rich history but before the arrival of Marcelo Bielsa things were quite challenging for The Whites. Following a relegation from the Premier League in 2004, the West Yorkshire club has been in nothing but turmoil till 2018.
Financial instability and high managerial and ownership turnovers not only caused problems off the pitch but translated to problems on-field. The club was at an all-time low in 2007 after their relegation from The Championship. Although The Whites managed to get back to the second tier of English football other problems continued for the West Yorkshire outfit.
The Revival of Leeds United: Marcelo Bielsa’s Arrival
Leeds United turned a new page after the appointment of Marcelo Bielsa as first-team head coach. The Argentine brought in new hope following his reputation as a ‘football academic’. Not only did he become the highest-paid manager Leeds ever had, the Argentine also proved his iron in both the second and top-tier of English football.
Although Bielsa’s career hasn’t been marked by a lot of big trophies like other managers, the Rosario native remains one the most influential managers alive. The Argentine manager has influenced the likes of Pep Guardiola, Mauricio Pochettino, Diego Simeone, Jorge Sampaoli, Gerardo Martino, Maurizio Sarri and Julian Nagelsmann.
Bielsa Ball: The Foundational Bricks
Credits: Imago Images
Four main features characterize the Bielsa Ball that helped Leeds win promotion to the Premier League:
Man-to-Man Marking: The Argentine manager employed a rigorous man-to-man marking system which required a very high level of fitness and discipline.
High Press: Leeds pressed high under Bielsa probably taking in influence from Rinus Michels, the progenitor of Total Football.
Fluid Transitions: Bielsa’s Leeds transitioned quickly, especially during the attacking phase which allowed for fluid and dynamic movements.
Positional Rotation: Leeds under Bielsa didn’t play around into the same diamond in possession, rather the players frequently switched positions for a more attacking-based football fostering momentum.
The Post-Bielsa Era, 49ers Takeover and the Arrival of Daniel Farke
Following a string of poor results, the club dismissed Bielsa, marking the end of the Bielsa Era. The Whites were unstable again as poor management and unstable administration led to on-field inconsistencies.
This didn’t last long though as the full takeover of the 49ers Enterprise brought in new hope for the West Yorkshire outfit. Just days before the takeover Daniel Farke was appointed head coach, with a proven record in the second-tier he had won The Championship twice with Norwich City helping them win promotion twice.
Farke Ball and The Evolution of Leeds’ Tactical Philosophy
Credits: Imago Images
Bielsa and Farke’s tactics have quite similar key elements but some differences can be looked at through the lens of evolution.
Structured Pressing: Unlike Bielsa, Farke likes to take a structured approach to defense. He likes his team to press with a structure that maintains formational integrity.
Building from the Back: Similar to Bielsa, Farke emphasizes a lot on building from the back, another influence from Total Football.
Youth Development: Just like Bielsa, Daniel also focuses on youth development which allows for the proper use of the club’s youth system.
Fitness Demand: Although Farke’s team is fit, the German’s tactical strategy doesn’t require the level of fitness needed under Bielsa.
A New Era at Leeds United
The two managers are quite similar and a little different at the same time. While Farke’s takeover cannot be called a total revamp of the club’s tactical philosophy, we can certainly expect an evolution to take place built on Bielsa’s principles.
