Credit: Imago

Declan Carr

Fri 27 March 2026 21:55, UK

Leeds United fans made their feelings clear on Marcelo Bielsa in England’s 1-1 draw with Uruguay on Friday evening.

Uruguay boss Bielsa is still an extremely popular figure at Elland Road after his three-and-a-half year stint with the Whites.

That was evident as Peacocks’ supporters were spotted waving flags in support of their former boss in the Wembley contest on 27 March.

Leeds supporters will likely always adore Bielsa, and it is no surprise to see the reception that he got at the national stadium.

What was said about Leeds fans gesture for Bielsa?

Bielsa’s love for Leeds has never shied away, and the feeling is mutual, after what was seen in the Three Lions clash.

BBC journalist Alex Howell spotted Whites fans in the crowd, waving their Bielsa-themed flags and showing that they have not forgotten what he did for them just a short time ago.

He said: “There’s a lot of Leeds fans in the crowd tonight displaying their club’s flag and quite a few have former manager and now Uruguay coach Marcelo Bielsa on them.

“Bielsa is an iconic figure at Elland Road and it looks like a lot of fans came to show their gratitude for what he did there.”

Why was Bielsa so adored in Leeds?

Bielsa is so beloved in Yorkshire because he was the first man to take the LS11 side back into the Premier League, when his side achieved promotion in the 2019-20 season.

More than that, he just got the club, and his high-octane team, which did not stop running, restored Leeds to a team that was brilliant to watch every week, even when they played in the top-flight against much better opposition.

He instilled a collective mentality, rather than an individual one, even making players pick up litter from around the Thorp Arch training ground, which changed the culture within the playing squad.

Every Leeds manager that has followed him has had to fight to get out of his shadow, and Daniel Farke is still doing so; his case may be helped if he can keep the Whites up after already winning promotion back up from the Championship last season.

Some supporters will always pine for Bielsa to come back, though, as that was the golden era, at least in modern times, of being a fan of the club.

The gesture at Wembley makes it clear that the relationship between fans and Bielsa is still going very strong, and it is unlikely to ever fizzle out, which is a nightmare for Farke and any manager who eventually follows him.