---
title: "Marcelo Bielsa isolating Gaetano Berardi would be a catastrophic mistake"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/marcelo-bielsa-isolating-gaetano-berardi-would-be-a-catastrophic-mistake/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Alex Rigby"
section: "Opinion"
published: "2019-03-11T19:05:06Z"
modified: "2019-03-11T19:05:06Z"
---

# Marcelo Bielsa isolating Gaetano Berardi would be a catastrophic mistake

**Fan favourite Gaetano Berardi has made his much-anticipated return from injury but there is no guarantee he will get time in the current squad, and what a mistake that could turn out to be.**

Hard-nut Gaetano Berardi is a highly regarded figure around Elland Road and a huge favourite of Marcelo Bielsa.

![](https://cdn.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/THE-BREAKDOWN.png)

Following his return to the first-team in Leeds United victory over fellow promotion hopefuls Bristol City, the Argentine was full of praise.

“Gaetano Berardi is always a very important player for us,” said Bielsa.

“The fact that we have him back and he’s at the disposal of the team is a very important for the performance of the team and it’s every important for the players.

“He’s a loved player, a very respected player and a very important player.”

But is this enough to keep him in the squad?

*Yorkshire Evening Post* have certainly cast doubt over the chances of the 30-year-old reclaiming his permanent spot, citing the form of current starters Liam Cooper and Pontus Janssen as key reasons behind a future peripheral role.

We believe this would be a major error of judgement. Berardi is a favourite for a reason, after all.

He commands respect around the squad; that other individuals can look to in times of disrepute for assurances and inspiration.

Leeds United need every single of these Berardi-style characters pushing into the most important period of their season. In turn, Bielsa needs someone he can rely on; a player who will literally fight their way through the remaining 10 games onto promotion. A mad dog. The one to break down staunch opposition and set an example.

The ferocious defender may have a slight issue with discipline, but that is surely welcomed now.

To take that away from the team is to risk leaving them spineless.

***Leeds United fans, how do you think Bielsa should handle Berardi for the remainder of the season? Let us know in the comments below…***