Marcelo Bielsa: Five things you didn't know about Leeds United manager

The Argentine is set to make his Premier League bow with the Whites this season.

A lot of football fans all around the globe are waiting for the upcoming season of the Premier League, especially for one reason- to see Leeds United back after a 16-year long sabbatical from the top flight. Also, there must be a special mention for the man who made it possible for the Whites, Marcelo Bielsa.

It will be a pleasure to see the Argentine tactician in action in the Premier League, making life difficult for others with his shrewd mentality and tactical prowess. Nicknamed "El Loco" for a reason, the 63-year old manager's unpredictable nature makes him stand apart from the rest.

Therefore, we at Khel Now list the five lesser known facts about Marcelo Bielsa:

5. Pep Guardiola's idol

Pep Guardiola is considered as one of the highest-rated managers in world football. Right from his Barcelona days, Guardiola's love for possession-based, attractive football has caught the eye of fans. But, Guardiola's inspiration in coaching is none other than Argentine maestro Marcelo Bielsa.

The Manchester City manager has always held Bielsa in high regard also feels that the Leeds United boss is right at the top when it comes to pioneers in management.

"I was not his player, so it is difficult to talk about him. But, I know the reference from a hundred million players who were with him. I was lucky enough to have the chance to talk to him. He is unique in world football because of the special way he plays. He is an authentic manager," Guardiola once said in admiration for the Argentine.

"No other manager in the world plays the way he plays. I learnt a lot about his style, his final product. He is an incredible person. He is so special."

4. The Bielsa Bucket

When Bielsa joined Leeds United they knew they were in for a lot of unpredictability and amazement. However, not even in their wildest dreams would they have thought of selling the "Bielsa Bucket" as a part of their official merchandise.

Apart from his exceptional tactics and gritty aura, what has caught the eye of supporters is his unique habit of sitting in a blue bucket in the dugout. Bielsa does not like standing in the dugout as the match unfolds and he doesn't like to sit with others. So, he chooses to sit on a bucket, which allows him to see the match from a better ground-level view.

The trend became so viral that Leeds United included it as a part of their official merchandise naming it as the "Bielsa Bucket."

3. The Bielsa Rhapsody

The 63-year old tactician was lauded by the Leeds United faithful after the 2018/19 season when they missed out on promotion to the Premier League by a whisker. But, fans did not lose hope and trusted Bielsa through the hard times. They were so impressed with the Argentine that they created a special chant for him.

The chant has been created by Leeds United fan and Britain's Got Talent star Micky P Kerr and Pigeon Detectives frontman Matt Bowman and it is called the "Bielsa Rhapsody" named after the iconic track from Queen.

ALSO READ: Why Marcelo Bielsa’s side will be a force to reckon with

2. He has a stadium named after him in Argentina

In 1990 Bielsa replaced José Yudica as head coach of the Argentine outfit, Newell's Old Boys and the appointment brought about a dramatic change to the fortunes of the club. He guided a side comprising of present-day managers, Mauricio Pochettino, Eduardo Berizzo and Gerardo Martino to two league championships in two years, whilst also making it to the 1992 Copa Libertadores final.

His success at the club did not go unnoticed, as the outfit renamed their stadium after him as "Estadio Marcelo Bielsa" in 2009. The club secretary was so pleased with him that he said, "This is a gesture towards a person who did a lot for the club and today carries its name with pride around the world."

1. Bielsa's love of McDonald's and fish and chips

During the pre-season campaign, a few Leeds supporters saw the 63-year old stroll down to the MacDonald's after the end of a match. It's fascinating that one of the finest managers in world football enjoys the 99p savers menu at McDonald's.

ALSO READ: Five reasons The Whites will be hard to beat next season

While his players definitely do not have that pleasure but as the fans said, "He eats what he wants. There must be a couple of decent centre-halves and a No. 9 around these parts."

The Argentine is reportedly in love with the Fillet-O-Fish, a special serving at MacDonald's. He likes to dive into a new culture and out of all the things he enjoys in Yorkshire, haddock and chips top the list.

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