Leeds United fans are unlikely to forget Marcelo Bielsa any time soon. It has been close to four years since he left Elland Road, but the Argentinian coach remains a cult figure at Elland Road.
Bielsa was the head coach who ended Leeds’ years in the doldrums when he won promotion to the Premier League in the 2019/20 season. He heralded a new era where a solid, but unremarkable group of players became Leeds legends.
The Whites also finished in the top half of the Premier League in their first season back in the top flight, and were a thrilling side to watch under the Argentinian.
He endeared himself to the Leeds fans with his straight talking, simple lifestyle and the brilliant football his team played, and the Whites fans could have a chance to see him on these shores again soon.
Marcelo Bielsa and his Uruguay side could be at Wembley in March 2026
Thomas Tuchel’s England team are yet to book their place in the World Cup next year. However, they are expected to complete that formality in the coming weeks.
The England manager wants his team to have some proper practice ahead of the World Cup next year, and the FA are working on arranging a couple of competitive friendlies in March.
The Guardian reports that England will likely host Bielsa’s Uruguay side in a friendly in March, with Japan expected to join as the other team.
The Three Lions last faced a South American team in March 2024, losing a home friendly to Brazil, and they have not played an Asian Football Confederation side since defeating Iran at the 2022 World Cup.
Uruguay have already booked their place in the World Cup, with Bielsa set to manage in the summer extravaganza again in his 70s.
Leeds fans will throng Wembley to support Uruguay
Bielsa remains an endearing figure for Leeds, and the recent revelations of former Leeds boss Steven Evans about the support he received from the Argentinian show the kind of man he still is.
If Uruguay is confirmed to play England in March, Bielsa will draw Leeds fans to Wembley to support the South American team.
Leeds fans would argue that Uruguay should play England at Elland Road, but that may become an away game for the Three Lions.
Can you name the team Leeds United signed these players from in the 2000s?
