Former Leeds United coach and current Uruguay national team coach Bielsa recently met with the Leeds United Malaysian Fans Chapter and talked about his bond with Leeds United.
The 70-year-old Bielsa has been in charge of Leeds United for nearly four years from 2018 to 2022. He not only led the team back to the Premier League, but also laid a development foundation for the club that is still benefiting today. He led Leeds United to ninth place in the Premier League in 2021, the team's best record since the 01/02 season. However, he was fired midway through the following season because his tactics were figured out by his opponents.
After attending a fans forum in Kuala Lumpur, Bielsa was asked whether time has diluted his connection with Leeds United.
Belsa responded: "I hope that the lively connection with Leeds will never end. If this matter is decided by me, this bond will last forever, and he will always stay connected with the club in some way."
Leeds United's former bosses also know it well. The significance of Bielsa's era to Leeds, and a promise when sacking him in February 2022, that a major tribute to his time at Elland Road would be considered, whether to erect a statue or name a stand, has yet to be decided, although naming the training base is reportedly the most popular suggestion. Bielsa, who remains humble as ever, is said to have declined such an offer.