When Marcelo Bielsa arrived at Leeds United in June 2018, the club was languishing in the EFL Championship, a far cry from its glory days in the Premier League and European competitions.
The Argentine manager, renowned for his unorthodox methods and uncompromising philosophy, transformed Leeds into one of the most exciting teams in English football. His tenure, often referred to as "Bielsa Ball," left an indelible mark on the club, its fans, and the city of Leeds.
The Arrival: A New Dawn
Leeds United had a revolving door of managers and a fanbase desperate for a return to prominence. Bielsa, a cult figure in football known for his meticulous preparation and high-intensity style, was an unexpected appointment. His decision to join a second-tier English club raised eyebrows, but it signalled ambition from the Leeds board.
Bielsa’s arrival was more than a managerial appointment; it was a cultural shift. He inherited a squad of talented but inconsistent players and immediately set about instilling his philosophy: high-pressing, attacking football, relentless fitness, and an almost obsessive attention to detail. His infamous "murderball" training sessions—gruelling, high-intensity drills with no breaks—became the stuff of legend, pushing players to their physical and mental limits.
The 2018-19 Season: Laying the Foundations
Bielsa’s first season (2018-19) saw Leeds transform from mid-table hopefuls into promotion contenders. His tactical setup emphasized possession, quick transitions, and suffocating pressing. Players like Kalvin Phillips, a local lad, were molded into top class talents under Bielsa’s tutelage, with Phillips becoming the linchpin of the midfield.
Leeds finished the season third in the Championship with 83 points, playing scintillating football that earned plaudits across the footballing world. However, the campaign ended in heartbreak. In the playoff semi-finals, Leeds squandered a 2-0 aggregate lead against Derby, losing 4-3 in the second leg at Elland Road. The defeat was compounded by the “Spygate” controversy, where Bielsa admitted to sending a staff member to observe Derby’s training, sparking debates about ethics but also showcasing his obsessive preparation.
The 2019-20 Season: Promotion Glory
Undeterred by the playoff disappointment, Bielsa doubled down in the 2019-20 season. Leeds dominated the Championship, playing with an intensity and flair rarely seen in the second tier. Key signings like Ben White (on loan from Brighton) and the improvement of players like Patrick Bamford and Mateusz Klich bolstered the squad. Bielsa’s relentless focus on fitness paid dividends, as Leeds outran and outworked opponents week after week.
The season was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, but Leeds returned from the break in top form. They clinched the Championship title with 93 points, securing promotion to the Premier League after a 16-year absence. The city erupted in celebration, with fans gathering outside Elland Road despite lockdown restrictions. Bielsa, typically reserved, became a folk hero in Leeds, his face adorning murals and his name chanted with reverence.
🍾🍾🍾 What. A. Team. pic.twitter.com/jCfRITzQTz
— Leeds United (@LUFC) July 18, 2020
The Premier League Return: 2020-21
Leeds’ return to the Premier League in 2020-21 was nothing short of spectacular. Bielsa’s side played with fearless abandon, taking on the division’s giants with their trademark high-pressing style. A 4-3 loss to Liverpool on the opening day showcased their ambition, while victories like a 5-2 thrashing of Newcastle and a 1-0 win at Everton proved they could compete with the best. Leeds finished ninth with 59 points, a remarkable achievement for a newly promoted side.
Bielsa’s tactics, while thrilling, exposed vulnerabilities. The high defensive line and man-to-man marking often left Leeds open to counterattacks, but the entertainment value was undeniable. Players like Raphinha flourished under Bielsa, becoming a standout player in the Premier League.
The 2021-22 Season: The Decline
The 2021-22 season was tougher. Injuries to key players like Phillips, Bamford, and Liam Cooper disrupted the squad’s rhythm. Leeds struggled with consistency, and their open approach was exploited by opponents. A run of heavy defeats, including a 6-0 loss to Liverpool and a 4-0 defeat to Tottenham, piled pressure on Bielsa.
In February 2022, with Leeds hovering above the relegation zone, the club made the painful decision to sack Bielsa. The announcement was met with an outpouring of grief from fans, who recognized his transformative impact. Jesse Marsch was appointed as his successor, tasked with keeping Leeds in the Premier League.
The Legacy
Bielsa restored pride to Leeds United. He reconnected the club with its fanbase, fostering a sense of unity and belief. His commitment to the city was evident in small gestures—like living in a modest flat in Wetherby and walking to training—and grand ones, like funding upgrades to the club’s training facilities. The “Bielsa Bucket,” his iconic blue seat on the touchline, became a symbol of his understated genius.
Tactically, Bielsa’s influence reverberated across football. Managers like Pep Guardiola and Jürgen Klopp praised his innovation, and his high-pressing, fluid system inspired a new generation of coaches. At Leeds, he turned players like Phillips into England internationals and gave the club a platform to rebuild.
