Ian Wright recalls Leeds United under Marcelo Bielsa, why he will be forever loved
Marcelo Bielsa made Leeds United so good at times it was “embarrassing” and gave the club “their siege mentality back” according to Ian Wright.
The former boss was sacked on Sunday with the side in terrible form, coming off back-to-back thrashings at the hands of Liverpool and Tottenham, and was replaced by former RB Salzburg boss Jesse Marsch a day later.
It was a sad end to a period at Elland Road that reignited life for the Whites and their fans in a way that few saw coming before the Argentine’s arrival in 2018.
Former Arsenal striker Wright is sad to see him go and remembers some specific occasions during his reign as particular indicators of what the club will now be missing.
Speaking on the Wednesday (2 March) episode of the Wrighty’s House podcast he said, via Leeds Live: “I remember the [Stoke] game really well, it was embarrassing how good Leeds were and then you’re thinking ‘okay, now I see why those guys were talking about him’.
“Leeds were like a well-oiled machine, everyone was everywhere. When they came to play Arsenal in the FA Cup last season, we beat them but I’ve never seen such a hiding, we took a hiding off them.
“Remember the ‘Spygate’? His explanation, oh my god! Listening to him unapologetically explain ‘Well, what’s the big deal here?’
“We were all up in arms saying that it was so unsportsmanlike but when he explained it, I was like ‘Jesus Christ, this man is different’… This gave Leeds their siege mentality back.
“I’m sure is going to be remembered forever, they’re going to love him forever.”
Unique
The fans certainly will remember him forever, and the younger fans of the future will probably get bored of hearing about him from those who experienced his era.
The 66-year-old’s sacking divides opinion in terms of whether it was the right decision or not, because despite the terrible results his Whites team were getting he has inspired such joy in many.
The fact that he managed to join the two sides of the game’s age-old debate between results and enjoyment to such an extent prior to this season is a testament to him.
A footballing philosophy that made United a favourite among neutrals, a personality that inspired complete devotion from players and fans, as well as considerable success, made him a rare figure in the sport.
However, it was the loss of that final element, the success, that always made him vulnerable to those making the decisions.
While many would have accepted the misery of this season, and even potential relegation, under the guidance of the former Chile and Argentina boss, the club’s ownership would not.
New man Marsch can never replace his predecessor as a character and must save the club from relegation, or else the removal of one of the most popular figures in football will have been a waste.
In other Leeds United news, one Whites star may be headed to a surprise PL rival following Bielsa’s departure.