The appointment of Marcelo Bielsa as Leeds United manager has brought much excitement among supporters.
Looking at Bielsa’s coaching history, football philosophy and the endorsement he’s received from some of the world’s best managers including Pep Guardiola and Mauricio Pochettino, Leeds fans have every right to be buzzing about having the Argentine at the helm of their club.
Considering Bielsa’s reputation and track record, much will be expected of the Leeds boss.
However, while the excitement is certainly understandable, there needs to be some realism attached. Leeds have been absent from the Premier League for 14 years and have often finished mid-table in the Championship; promotion back to the top flight of English football is not something that Bielsa will be able to achieve overnight.
Leeds’ current squad will need to be bolstered by specific additions if the club are to have a chance of having a good season under Bielsa, and one player who meets the requirements of both the manager and owner in terms of profile and availability is Chelsea talent Jeremie Boga, valued at £2.25m by Transfermarkt after his loan spell at Birmingham City.
Boga has the energy, attacking flair and overall technical ability Bielsa wants in a forward. He’s been a key component in some of Chelsea’s recent youth sides, renowned for their aggressive pressing and dominating possession, meaning he’d be the appropriate kind of signing for Bielsa, whose sides play similar football.
With Pablo Hernandez and Boga in the side, Leeds could have one of the deadliest attacks in the Championship.
This could be a challenge like no other for Bielsa and, if the former Athletic Bilbao manager is to succeed in a league as difficult as the Championship, then Boga and players similar to the 21-year-old will need to be brought in.
