Journalist Phil Hay has shown his appreciation for the job Marcelo Bielsa did as Leeds United manager. describing one match in particular as 'utterly astonishing'.

The Lowdown: Bielsa moves on

It was a sad day on Sunday, as Bielsa was relieved of his duties at Elland Road, following a disappointing run of form in the Premier League.

Given the 66-year-old's popularity, both as a manager and a person, it was a decision that will likely hurt many Leeds supporters for some time.

Jesse Marsch has now been confirmed as Bielsa's replacement, with the American tasked with steering the Whites away from the relegation zone.

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The Latest: Hay reacts

Taking to Twitter on Monday, Hay responded to a post regarding Bielsa's first game in charge against Stoke City back in August 2018, lauding how immediate his impact was:

"This game was like a wave of the wand. Utterly astonishing."
The Whites won 3-1 with goals from the previously exiled Mateusz Klich, cult hero Pablo Hernandez and defensive leader Liam Cooper.

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The Verdict: Special Leeds figure

From the outside looking in, some may wonder why Bielsa is held in quite such high esteem by Leeds fans, but much like Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, it was his connection to the fans and city which united the entire club.

Not only was the Argentine's football thrilling to watch, helping the Whites return to the Premier League at the same time, but he is also a humble person who lived a down-to-earth life outside of football.

To say he was a man of the people would be an understatement and the class that he carried himself with, coupled with the success he enjoyed, will forever make him a hero at Elland Road.

In other news, a journalist has backed Leeds to sign one player this summer. Find out who it is here.