Marcelo Bielsa previewed England v Uruguay with a press conference that finished with plenty of focus on his former employers Leeds United.
United fans will be hoping that Dominic Calvert-Lewin can show his quality tonight as he returns to action for England after years away.
He comes up against Elland Road legend Marcelo Bielsa at Wembley as Uruguay head to the capital for a pre-World Cup friendly.
Ahead of the game, Bielsa’s press conference gave him chance to pay homage to the club that initially brought him to the UK for a memorable managerial stint.
Here’s everything he had to say about Leeds ahead of tonight’s England v Uruguay clash…
It’s fair to say that Bielsa still holds an affinity towards Leeds in the same way he’s still adored by the fanbase. So much so that he’s clearly keeping tabs on what Daniel Farke’s doing in the Premier League.
Bielsa was asked by a reporter of his thoughts on Leeds’ chances to stay in the league. In response, he was confident that Farke can do the job.
“I hope Leeds keeps its place in the Premier League, where it belongs,” Bielsa began.
“It’s an established institution, it has the resources, structure, organisation and the players to maintain its position.”
Why hasn’t Marcelo Bielsa returned to the city of Leeds since his 2022 exit?
It’s not often you see a manager return to the club shortly after being dismissed. But, such is Bielsa’s legend at the club that fans often hope he’s seen back in West Yorkshire.
Whether it’s mooching around Wetherby, being a peripheral figure at Thorp Arch for youth games, or actually being at the ground, it’s clear fans miss him.
He was asked why he hasn’t returned to Leeds since his exit back in 2022. In which, his response was incredibly emotional.
“I haven’t returned to Leeds mainly because the feeling of nostalgia is a feeling that sometimes I’m resistant to address,” Bielsa said.
“And, I experience everything related to my time at that club with nostalgia, I see it as one of the most beautiful memories that football gave me.”
Marcelo Bielsa’s message to the Leeds United fans ahead of England v Uruguay
A sold-out Wembley tonight will see a host ofLeeds fans making their way down to the capital. Many are of course there to follow the Three Lions. But, many have proclaimed online their eagerness to see Bielsa in the flesh again.
It’s a touching tribute to Bielsa. The Uruguay boss was finally asked if he had a message to the Leeds fans travelling down. In typical fashion, Bielsa was keen to modestly play down his own impact.
“I want to be brief, but express what I think” Bielsa continued. “The power that English football has in the world, for me, it is based on the fans.
“The structures, the organisations have relied on the unconditional love of the fans to build a great league. But, this English league wouldn’t be what it is, if it weren’t for how its fans feel.
“And, I have experienced that. If there’s one thing, four years following my departure at Leeds, that caused me to no longer be at Leeds, which I always understood, it was that I conceded 14 goals in one week.
“It’s very difficult to survive that, isn’t it? During these four years with a marked frequency and regularity, I always received messages from the Leeds fans. I think it has nothing to do with me, but it has to do with the British fan. The way he loves his club, which for me, is the heart of the Premier League.”
The Argentine finished with a poignant summary of the English fan. Bielsa called on his experiences at Leeds to summarise what it means to love a football club.
“[Premier League fanbases] survive any commercial attempt. It seems that the industrial development of the Premier League is what makes it great,” Bielsa said.
“And for me, what truly makes it great is that there is no commercial structure that can overshadow such a strong feeling as the one the fans feel for the badge.”
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