Despite stumbles in recent weeks, Leeds United have emerged as prime promotion contenders this term following some inspiring outings, and the influence of iconic Marcelo Bielsa is reflecting in their football week in week out. Although most of his summer signings have not made much impact yet, their underperforming names from last season have uplifted the show at Elland Road.
The famous Argentine, meanwhile, is lauded as one of the pioneers of modern-day football and the likes of Diego Simeone, Mauricio Pochettino and Pep Guardiola have acknowledged the impact of Bielsa’s managerial masterclass on their successful coaching realm.
Their recent form is alarming, but the supporters worldwide might be anxious over the opinion of David Prutton, the former Leeds midfielder and now a Sky Sports pundit who believes the Whites are at risk of losing Bielsa to a Premier League club in culminating months.
“I think if you are struggling Premier League side that wants four to five months of head down and over the line to maintain your Premier League status then what they’ve seen from Bielsa would make him a cracking shout.”
Prutton’s claims, however, cannot be ruled out entirely. El Loco, despite initial success, has struggled at his previous clubs in the long run but his immediate impact would be instrumental in escaping relegation towards the closure of the ongoing campaign. Football is unpredictable these days, and the likes of Huddersfield Town, Cardiff City, Fulham, Southampton and also Crystal Palace might bank on the veteran to rescue their season avoiding a demotion to the second tier.
The Whites were close to securing a playoff place finish under Garry Monk a couple of seasons back but failed the previous term miserably under Thomas Christiansen and Paul Heckingbottom as the latter was handed the managerial role for final four months. The fear of falling apart was looming large once more, but the owner Andrea Radrizzani played a masterstroke by convincing the 63-year-old to accept the challenge of Championship football. Bielsa is arguably the most high-profile managerial enrolment in a lower division and his merit would guide him to attain instant success in any top-flight club.
Keeping hold of him will be crucial for Leeds to achieve a long-awaited Premier League return but require significant reinforcements in summer to avoid yet another downfall. The ex-Chile and Argentina chief, however, is entirely focused on his role in West Yorkshire and should retain the enthusiasm to make a return to the Premier League happen after years of nightmare.
