By Joe Ellis

5th Aug, 2022 | 9:40am

Leeds United training ground could have name changed in honour of Marcelo Bielsa - Andrea Radrizzani

The Leeds United training ground could have a new name as Andrea Radrizzani is waiting to get the green light for the change.

The Whites owner is still in contact with former manager and Leeds hero Marcelo Bielsa over permission to use his name to make Thorp Arch become the Marcelo Bielsa Training Ground.

Radrizzani, who chose to sack the Argentine in February after a poor run of form in the Premier League, is also keen to create a university of football inspired by Bielsa’s name and ethos.

“We are sending him a communication because we would like to name the training ground after his name,” Radrizzani said to The Athletic. “So Thorp Arch would become the Marcelo Bielsa Training Ground.

“I have still an idea for a long time that I share with him that one day I would love to build a university of football with his name. I hope he will still be open to that idea.”

Ironic

In a way, it is perhaps a surprise that the training ground is set to be named in the former boss’ honour as it was said to be his methods away from matchday that caused such a breakdown of players with injuries last season.

But no Leeds United supporter would disagree with such an honour for the man who the city took to their hearts as he did the same with the local community.

His sacking had been coming after a period of four games where 20 goals were conceded and the team are now looking forward under new manager Jesse Marsch but that doesn’t mean Bielsa’s efforts went without reward.

He is up there with the best managers Leeds have ever had and it seems only right that he gets the recognition that he deserves and this would be an apt way to do so.

All that is left to wait for is his blessing and the change will happen swiftly.

In other Leeds United news, this Whites starlet could have joined a championship side but chose instead to go and play on loan in League One.