Marcelo Bielsa has been the manager of Uruguay since 2023, having been dismissed by Leeds United in February 2022.
Leeds United have since been relegated in 2023 and then promoted under Daniel Farke, but Marcelo Bielsa remains one of the most beloved figures in recent Leeds history for his impact in West Yorkshire across a three-and-a-half-year spell.
Despite Daniel Farke breaking a Bielsa record recently, he is not revered in the same way as the enigmatic Argentine. That said, Bielsa celebrated Leeds’ recent promotion, albeit many, including Stuart Dallas, don’t believe Leeds should compare Farke and Bielsa.
The recently released Patrick Bamford still loves Bielsa and he continues to be a force in world football, having held numerous managerial roles over a 38-year long career thus far.
Leeds United v Leicester City - Premier League
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Marcelo Bielsa sets two records with Uruguay
Last year was a similarly historic season for Farke compared with Bielsa, although the feeling of ending Leeds’ 16-year exile was like no other.
That factor, plus the style of play under Bielsa, are perhaps the primary reasons why he remains so adored with those connected at Elland Road. Bielsa has managed three clubs in South America, with Chile and Argentina prior to Uruguay.
Games managed Wins Draws Losses
29 15 8 6
Uruguay defeated Peru 3-0 late last night, which saw Uruguay qualify for the 2026 World Cup in North America this summer. The 70-year-old will have a new World Cup experience after managing in Korea and Japan in 2002, as well as South Africa in 2010.
The tournament will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026. It will be jointly hosted by 16 cities in three North American countries. USA is the primary host country of matches, while Canada and Mexico will be the auxiliary hosts.
MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES
Bielsa becomes just the second foreign manager to qualify Uruguay to the World Cup, but the first since Juan Hohberg (another Argentine) in 1970.
Not only that, but perhaps more impressively, if Bielsa remains in charge come June, then he will become the first manager to qualify for the World Cup and manage the team at the tournament with a third different nation.
A number of managers have taken more than three clubs to the World Cup finals, but they did not always take charge of the qualification phase for their nation — which Bielsa has with Uruguay after Chile and Argentina.
Bielsa still has some way to go before he manages five different nations at World Cups, including Bora Milutinovic and Carlos Alberto Parreira.
Stoke City v Leeds United - Sky Bet Championship
Photo by Malcolm Couzens/Getty Images
Bielsa’s managerial record with Leeds
Recently turning 70, Bielsa recaptured the hearts and minds of the fanbase. He remains the greatest Leeds manager of the modern era. He became Leeds’ new head coach in June 2018 to replace Paul Heckingbottom.
Team Start date End date Games managed Wins Draws Losses Win %
Leeds United 15 June 2018 27 February 2022 170 81 30 59 47.65
Under his stewardship, Leeds played fast-paced, attack-minded football and attracted praise from all over the world. His era brought life back to the city of Leeds, too.
Leeds fans will have a keen eye on Uruguay come June of next year, with Bielsa leading La Celeste out next summer.