As Daniel Farke struggles to entertain with the likes of Brenden Aaronson in his side, Leeds fans must be pining for Marcelo Bielsa and Raphinha.
The duo are arguably the greatest manager and player combination in the club’s recent history, with the Brazilian even finishing fifth in the latest Ballon d’Or rankings after remarkably scoring 34 goals and assisting another 26 in 57 games for Barcelona last term.
Raphinha learned a lot from Marcelo Bielsa at Leeds on his way to stardom, and recently reiterated a key principle of the Argentine’s when explaining why missing out on the Ballon d’Or does not bother him.
Raphinha repeats Marcelo Bielsa’s ethos of togetherness
When asked how he felt to have finished fifth in the Ballon d’Or standings after such an incredible 2024/25 campaign, the Brazil international told GQ: “The Ballon d’Or is an individual award, but football is a team sport. When I look at everything I achieved with Barcelona and Brazil, I realise how much I have to be thankful for instead of disappointed… truly grateful. That motivates me to keep going.”
It evokes memories of a message Bielsa – who Farke is somewhat emulating this season – would often repeat at Leeds.
The South American regularly spoke about togetherness and working as a unit, saying on one occasion during the promotion campaign of 2019/20: “The human group that they’ve formed at the club, it is very difficult to be as united on the pitch as they have shown to be without being in a similar way outside of the field. The togetherness within the people within the squad … the interest of their own but also of their own teammates.”
Marcelo Bielsa during a game between Leeds and Stoke.
Photo by Malcolm Couzens/Getty Images
After a 1-0 win over Crystal Palace in November 2021, Bielsa added: “The constant search for the goal – even if it was difficult to get it – and the closeness and togetherness of all the team to defend together and then attack (was pleasing).”
Raphinha and Bielsa parted ways after the latter was sacked in February 2022, but clearly, he still carries this same ethos with him at Barcelona.
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Do Barcelona still owe Leeds money for Raphinha?
Barcelona spent £55m to sign Raphinha in July 2022 – paying the fee in instalments – but many fans are unsure about how that panned out as the Spanish giants struggle financially in recent years.
There is a widespread belief that Barcelona still owe Leeds money.
However – as recently as October – Graham Smyth confirmed Barcelona have paid Leeds in full despite their issues, and now owe money to a lender instead.
The respected journalist said to one disgruntled fan: “Leeds got paid Gary. We reported this a year ago. Leeds got their money. Barca owe a creditor now, not Leeds.”