Leeds starting to feel like home for Marcelo Bielsa

Updated Feb. 15, 2021 1:26 p.m. ET

Associated Press

LONDON (AP) — Leeds is starting to feel like home for manager Marcelo Bielsa.

The 65-year-old Argentine is approaching three years at the helm, the longest he has been at a club. By comparison, Bielsa spent a whole two days in charge of Lazio in 2016.

Bielsa, who is known for his eccentricities during matches, including sitting on a plastic bucket on the sidelines, has been praised for his high-energy, attractive brand of football — even when Leeds loses.

Unlike in other jobs, Bielsa says he has the support of the club's leadership.

“I like to work with the players that Leeds has,” Bielsa said on Sunday. “I like the structure that Leeds has — the directors and in the academy.”

He has guided his players from a mid-table second division side to promotion to the top flight, where they are making waves. And Leeds fans are even dreaming of a place in a European competition next season.

Bielsa counts admirers far and wide and they include Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, who considers the Argentine one of the best managers in the world.

But he also has faced criticism for persisting with his attacking mentality, leaving his team exposed at the back and letting in goals —

Others have said that his players tend to hit a wall at the end of seasons because of fatigue or injuries as a result of constant running and pressing during matches.

But Bielsa has never wavered and he has the backing of the fans, who view him as a cult hero. Supporters have also found themselves enamored with Bielsa's modest lifestyle, which is unusual for a Premier League manager. He lives alone in a one-bedroom apartment and is often spotted in local coffee shops or supermarkets — normally wearing Leeds training gear.

Bielsa believes Leeds could increase the capacity at Elland Road to up to 50,000 if the club could accommodate them. The current capacity is around 36,000.

“Leeds fans are loyal,” Bielsa said Sunday. “All of this makes Leeds an attractive team. And it's in the best league in the world."

His nearly three years at Leeds is a milestone, not only because owners in English football are fickle if things aren’t going well, but also because he’s not afraid to stick to his beliefs — even if it means losing his job.

His shortest time at a club was two days, when he walked away from Lazio in 2016. He later cited disagreements with management about player recruitment.

Bielsa also left under acrimonious circumstances from French side Lille.

He coached Marseille for the 2014-15 season, but walked out after only one game in August 2015.

Bielsa cuts an odd figure in the Premier League, sometimes sitting on that plastic bucket, pacing back and forth on the touchline or squatting down during matches. He also has an explosive side, screaming at his players when they don't follow his instructions. On Sunday, he kicked a paper cup minutes after Arsenal scored its first goal.

He has earned the nickname

"If I have to cut a finger of mine to win tomorrow’s derby, I will,” he told his players. “I still have four left.”

His team won the match 4-3.

After a 6-0 loss to San Lorenzo in a Copa Libertadores match, a group of hardcore fans came to his doorstep. Bielsa then reportedly came out holding a hand grenade and threatened to pull the pin if the fans didn't leave.

Bielsa's present and future seem slightly less explosive at Leeds. At least for now.

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