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Posted on February 11, 2026 12:00 am | Updated on February 10, 2026 5:35 pm
The Chelsea boss has opened up and admitted that he once admired Marcelo Bielsa. That statement now adds extra spice before Leeds United’s crucial visit to Stamford Bridge.
Leeds Face Massive Test Against Chelsea
Leeds United travel to London carrying fresh belief. A key victory at Elland Road has injected energy into their survival push. Now, suddenly the mood around the club feels very different. Not long ago, many had written them off and relegation talk grew louder after setbacks. This comes especially following defeat against Arsenal. But so far, this squad is refusing to give up.
Their response against Nottingham Forest turned heads around the Premier League. It was not just the result, but the effort. Daniel Farke’s men played with courage and control. They showed they have the fight required for this stage of the season. Since December, Leeds have changed the story. It once looked like a sinking campaign now feels likely alive.
Nonetheless, survival battles do not allow breathing space. Next up is Chelsea, a side rebuilding under new boss Liam Rosenior. The Blues are finding rhythm, and Stamford Bridge will not be easy. Leeds must carry the same edge they showed at Elland Road. Another positive result would send a powerful message to rivals watching closely.
Rosenior’s Explosive Marcelo Bielsa Praise Resurfaces
Liam Rosenior on Marcelo Bielsa: "As a coach, the man is a genius. What he's done with this team, the young players he's used. I think we should be celebrating him for the job he's done at Leeds. It's been a joy to watch them play all season. They've been absolutely brilliant."🙌 pic.twitter.com/TfNrE2lKay
— LUFCDATA (@LUFCDATA) May 16, 2019
Before stepping into management at Chelsea, Rosenior worked as a pundit. During Marcelo Bielsa’s time at Leeds, he studied Bielsa’ team closely and did not hold back in his admiration. His assessment was bold and detailed, especially during a painful moment when Leeds crashed out of the play-offs.
He said, “Wherever he’s gone there’s been an upturn in performance but he just seems to struggle to get over that final hurdle.
“As a coach, the man is a genius. All of Leeds’ key young players will go onto have fine careers.
“When those players look back on their careers, they’ll say the turning point was playing under Bielsa. I think we should be celebrating him – it’s been a pleasure to watch them play.”
Those words carry weight. Rosenior was not offering casual praise. He recognized Bielsa’s influence on the club’s young core. He understood the cultural shift happening at Elland Road. For Leeds fans’, hearing a current Chelsea manager speak with such respect about their former boss is striking. It shows he followed their journey closely and appreciated the project when it was in the making.
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Ahead Of Clash, Respect Meets Ruthless Reality
Now, Rosenior leads Chelsea into a match that could shape Leeds’ season. Now, compliments from the studio are replaced by tactical battles on the touchline. While he once praised Bielsa’s ideology of football, his focus now is stopping Farke’s men.
Although, Leeds can draw confidence from that praise from the Blues’ manager. Bielsa’s era laid foundations that still influence the squad. Intensity, bravery on the ball, and trust in young talent remain part of their identity. Even as managers change, those lessons still are part of the club.
For Rosenior, this fixture carries plenty of emotions. He understands what Leeds represent because he analyzed them during their key moments. He saw their heartbreak and growth. That insight may help him prepare for the game. But, it also shows the respect between the clubs’ recent histories.
That said, Tuesday night is more than just the three points. It is a meeting between a club fighting to extend its great turnaround and a manager who once celebrated their visionary leader. Leeds arrive believing survival is within their reach at the moment.
On the other hand, Chelsea aim to continue their incredible form under their new head coach. The Blues’ form has been promising under the new head coach. They have shown great intensity, sharp attacking play, and improved defensive focus. Rosenior’s ideas are taking shape at the Stamford Bridge. The squad is building momentum as they adapt and grow more confident with each match.
The Chelsea vs. Leeds Premier League clash will likely have intensity and emotion. Respect has already been showed before the game. Now, it comes down to the real test on the field.
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