When he prematurely departed Ipswich Town at the tail-end of the English Championship season, many Leeds United fans were excited at the prospect of Mick McCarthy putting Paul Heckingbottom out of his misery. However, with Heckingbottom's future at the club still in doubt, a new candidate has emerged that Leeds fans will scarcely believe; Marcelo Bielsa.
One of Pep Guardiola's important influences, the Argentine Bielsa has managed Argentina, Chile, Athletic Bilbao, Marseille, and, most recently, Lille.
The Yorkshire Evening Post has reported that rumours in Argentina suggest "that the 62-year-old is already in talks" with Leeds United, and "that Bielsa is a genuine target should United decide to make a managerial change this summer."
Away this week but two different people in the past fortnight have mentioned Bielsa to me as an option for Leeds:https://t.co/d2ZarQ4PcR
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) May 31, 2018
Known for implementing an intense playing style that tests the physical resolve of his players, Bielsa memorably led Bilbao to the Europa League final in 2012.
Although a move to Leeds would suggest something of a downturn in terms of the division they are playing in, given his noted obsession with football, it is likely that he is well aware of the potential locked within the club.
Having taken over from Thomas Christiansen in February, Heckingbottom's spell in charge of Leeds has been far from perfect, with the club finishing in 13th and 15 points off the playoff places.
Although he remains in charge for the time being, should the Bielsa rumours come to fruition, it is hard to imagine that many Leeds fans would chose the English manager over his lauded Argentine alternative.
