Leeds United hero Pablo Hernandez last played under Marcelo Bielsa in 2021 - but is still benefiting from the Argentine’s brilliance.
Both are revered by the Elland Road faithful having played a pivotal role in Leeds’ resurgence after years of stagnation.
Hernandez was a key figure in Bielsa’s side, dazzling with his flair and ability to unlock a defence with stunning precision. He left the Whites in 2021, five years after his initial loan move from Al-Arabi.
The 40-year-old has retired from playing and enjoyed a fairytale start to management, leading his hometown club Castellon into contention for promotion to La Liga.
Bielsa has disciples across the world of coaching and Hernandez is among those to have learnt from the Uruguay boss.
Pablo Hernandez represented Leeds United between 2016 and 2021.placeholder image
Pablo Hernandez represented Leeds United between 2016 and 2021. | Jonathan Gawthorpe
Marcelo Bielsa’s influence on Pablo Hernandez
He told The Athletic: “I always say the manager that most influenced me is Marcelo Bielsa, but I have other great managers, like Unai Emery, Paco Jemez.
“I always try to take the good things, the things I like from each one, but the most important manager I have in my career is Marcelo.
“The way he feels the football, the way he tried to inspire the spirit in the players to give 100 per cent in each game, in each training [session]. This is very important.
“I try to transmit this to my players. They need to give 100 per cent always, every day in the training ground, in each game. Football is changing - it is more physical, more tactical.
“If you want to play good, if you want to dominate games, you need to be prepared physically. You need to run a lot. All of these things, I take from Marcelo.”
Pablo Hernandez was part of the Leeds United side led to the Championship title by Marcelo Bielsa in 2020.placeholder image
Pablo Hernandez was part of the Leeds United side led to the Championship title by Marcelo Bielsa in 2020. | Tony Johnson
Thriving at Castellon
The Spaniard invested in Castellon alongside associates in 2017, when he was still a Leeds player. He later finished his playing career at Estadio Skyfi Castalia before taking charge of the club’s second-string side.
His work with the reserves landed him the first-team gig and Hernandez has thrived in the senior environment.
The former playmaker has spoken about his stunning start to life in the dugout in a humble manner, yet is a firm believer in Castellon’s potential to be a top flight club.
He said: “I need more experience, but I try to do my best and help the players to improve.
“We know the difficulty, but if it’s not this year, I am 100 per cent sure this club will play in La Liga in the next one, two or three years.”
Pablo Hernandez left Leeds United at the end of the 2020/21 season.placeholder image
Pablo Hernandez left Leeds United at the end of the 2020/21 season. | Stu Forster/Getty Images
Love for Leeds United
In recent years, Leeds fans have popped up at Castellon to catch a glimpse of the attacking midfielder they once purred over.
Hernandez said: “Now, [they come] less, but it’s true, when I played my last two years as a player, that was amazing.
“It’s unbelievable how many Leeds fans came to Castellon. Castellon and Leeds are the most special teams in my career. I am always thinking, ‘I want to go to Leeds to watch a game’. Now is difficult, but in the future, I want to be there.”