Leeds United have a fanbase that is currently at war with each other over the growing discontent aimed at Marcelo Bielsa regarding recent performances. On the one hand, you have fans who are fiercely loyal to the Argentinian tactician and won’t tolerate any dissent towards him, whilst on the other, you have a set of supporters who feel the 66-year-old should be held accountable for poor decision making that has led Leeds into a relegation fight.
It should be said that the Whites do have a bit of breathing space still, and the latest online betting relegation markets support this with Bielsa’s men currently priced at odds of 6/1 to go down. Moreover, the most recent betting tips suggest that Norwich, Burnley, and Watford will be the teams to make a way in the top-flight. So as things stand, the overriding feeling is that Leeds will stay up but there is still work to be done to reach the coveted safety threshold in terms of points.
“Always expect the unexpected when Marcelo Bielsa is concerned.” 😅
Some interesting changes from the Leeds manager at half-time 🤔 pic.twitter.com/mfOhd9RDtH
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 12, 2022
That is where Leeds’ complete focus needs to be, but once the late spring arrives and the last whistle is blown on the season, there are decisions to be made about who takes the Elland Road club forward. Part of the problem about having this type of conversation for Leeds fans is that when it is had, there seems to be a large contingent who automatically assume that life won’t ever get any better than what it is under Bielsa, and therefore, there’s no point in trying to replace him.
It’s not hard to understand why this topic draws such a hostile response when you consider that this is the legacy that Bielsa leaves at clubs and the impression that he makes on the supporters. Indeed, the Argentinian manager draws in disciples everywhere he goes and you could even argue that right now, some of the Leeds fans are buying into the cult of the fabled manager rather than the long-term sustainability of the club.
Bielsa will, of course, be 67 in July and even if one of his most ardent followers doesn’t want to entertain the thought of him being replaced, there are certain irrefutable truths that have to be accepted with regards to his age.
An enormous win for #EFC as they put three past Marcelo Bielsa’s #LUFC.
Goals from Coleman, Keane and Gordon give Frank Lampard’s team the three points. pic.twitter.com/wFdOhHlqRx
— The Athletic UK (@TheAthleticUK) February 12, 2022
The long and short of it is that Bielsa will leave West Yorkshire one day, but that doesn’t have to mean the end of Leeds’ development. Instead, fans should rejoice that Bielsa has given the club the best foundations after securing promotion to enjoy a long and successful stay in the Premier League.
In addition to that, there are so many tactically brilliant managers out there who would jump at the chance of managing Leeds. Indeed, it is reported that the clubs have been keeping tabs on both Ernesto Valverde and Jesse Marsch, two managers who would ensure Leeds keep playing on the front foot but perhaps who are also more inclined to be slightly more pragmatic when the situation dictates it does.
In short, the best is yet to come for Leeds United thanks to Bielsa but change is necessary in order to evolve.