Marcelo Bielsa is a cult figure at Leeds United, and while it has been more than three years since he left Elland Road, the Argentinian remains a beloved figure at Elland Road. However, a former Leeds boss has revealed something that will make him even more endearing to his supporters.
Bielsa is currently in charge of Uruguay, and it will be no surprise if Leeds fans decide to back the South American side in the World Cup next year, given their love and respect for the Whites manager
The Argentinian earned this unconditional love from the Leeds supporters after he ended the club’s long wait to return to the Premier League by winning promotion in the 2019/20 season, and then having a thrilling first campaign in the top flight.
It unravelled in the 2021/22 season for Bielsa, but his sacking was a hugely unpopular decision despite the team’s poor form, which was a sign of what he meant for Leeds fans.
Former Leeds boss Steve Evans also found a supporter in Marcelo Bielsa
Steve Evans managed Leeds for a season when Massimo Cellino was their owner, and was replaced by Garry Monk at the end of the 2015/16 season.
He is one of Bielsa’s predecessors at Elland Road, and there was no reason to believe that the two former Leeds managers would have any reason to be in contact.
However, Evans has revealed that during his recent health crisis and his weight loss journey, Bielsa messaged him to lend his support, along with a few other managers such as Keith Andrews and David Moyes.
He also added that even former Leeds striker Chris Wood, who worked under him at Elland Road, was in touch with him during his health crisis.
“Bielsa messaged from wherever in the world he is now”, Evans told The Daily Mail.
“Keith Andrews was in touch. Moyesie, who is just a brilliant friend.
“Chris Wood was funny because I told him he was overweight when he was at Leeds!”
Bielsa is a wonderful human being
Leeds players were ready to run through a brick wall under Bielsa at Elland Road, and some of them owe their careers to him.
Kalvin Phillips was one of the best midfielders in England under Bielsa, and has never been the same player since the Argentinian moved on from Elland Road.
Patrick Bamford played his best football under him and shared a close relationship with the former Leeds manager.
Several Leeds players of that era still adore the Argentinian, as he was more than just a manager to them, given the way he moulded the group of players.
However, until now, there was no reason to believe Bielsa would be in touch with Evans, who left Leeds three years before he arrived at Elland Road.
The bond between the two former Leeds managers highlights the best of Bielsa, an empathetic human being who also happens to be a brilliant football coach.
Can you name these 10 former Leeds United defenders?
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Bielsa, pure class!