Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani has revealed the ’10 hour’ conversation he had with Marcelo Bielsa before hiring the Argentine.
Former Athletic Bilbao boss Bielsa has been at the very forefront of Leeds’ resurgence over the last 12 months, guiding the Whites to a successful automatic promotion from the Championship to the Premier League this summer.
Ending a 16-year absence from England’s top-flight, the Yorkshire club have made quite the impression amongst the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City, losing narrowly to the former before holding Pep Guardiola’s side to a 1-1 draw recently.
What has Radrizzani said about Bielsa?
Speaking to Forbes Italia and Il Sole 24 Ore on Tuesday, the Italian businessman is quoted by Sport Witness as saying: “When I hired Marcelo, I spoke with him for 10 hours in Buenos Aires, but the first thing he asked was to improve the Leeds Sports Centre.
“He told me he can develop players, but not facilities.
“That’s why I chose him: he’s a perfectionist and always plays attacking.”
Bielsa, who took over at Elland Road in 2018, has a contract with the club until 2021 and his record speaks for itself, winning 59 of 170 games, drawing 18 and losing just 30.
Will Leeds keep hold of Bielsa past next summer?
Whilst it is fairly obvious that Bielsa is committed to the cause at Leeds, interest is expected to come from elsewhere with the likes of Manchester City being linked in the past.
The Argentine’s meticulous approach and incredible work at Elland Road has not gone unnoticed and very few would be surprised if Leeds finish in the top half or even a European place in the Premier League table.
Radrizzani will certainly do all he can to keep Bielsa at the club, but time will reveal all.
Do you think Bielsa is the best manager in the Premier League at the current time? Let us know in the comments section below…
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