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Leeds United fans take out full page advert in Argentine newspaper to thank Marcelo Bielsa
Leeds United fans have banded together and taken out a full page advert in one of Argentina’s biggest newspapers to send a thank you message to Marcelo Bielsa.
The former manager was sacked by the club in March after a run of ten defeats in 12 games, and was replaced by Jesse Marsch who has moved the club nine points clear of the relegation zone.
But not to be forgotten for his legendary stint as boss, Leeds fans have paid for a huge advert in Rosario’s biggest newspaper ‘La Capital’ in order to send their best wishes to the fan favourite.
The advert is written entirely in Spanish apart from the words ‘Thank you Marcelo’ emblazoned in big, bold letters, and reads as follows when translated to English.
“We stood under the sun of August 2018 hypnotized by a football that we did not know was possible. And we felt something again.
“You reminded us that football can be beautiful, and that a team can be greater than the sum of its parts. The one next door before oneself. Side before self.
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“And you gave us much more than football. You guided us through a pandemic and brought us closer while we were apart. You showed us that integrity and decency matter, both in good times and bad.
“You accepted our fears and turned our despair into hope, and our footballers into heroes. You made us all better.
“You restored our pride, brought us joy, and created precious memories that will last a lifetime.
“And it was beautiful, Marcelo. And it will always be so beautiful. Thank you.”
Heartwarming
It’s not often that a manager gets the chance to leave a football club on good terms this day, but Bielsa never lost the unwavering support of the fans at Elland Road.
Despite the poor run of form and the seeming inevitability that the team could be relegated, fans never once wanted him gone and were absolutely shattered when he eventually left the club.
They’ve sung his name at every home game since and while backing Marsch too, it’s clear that many would rather have gone on this journey with Bielsa all the way to the end.
The Argentine is known for his crazy antics and murder-ball tactics, but he will go down in Leeds history as a legend for getting them back in the Premier League and keeping them safe in the first season.
It’s a wonderful gesture from the fans that is really heartwarming and gut-wrenching, but it was the least they could do for the man who helped them fall back in love with football.
In other Leeds news, MOT View: Leeds should dump senior player to give youth-team ace deserved first-team opportunity