New Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa is the best coach in the world, according to Pep Guardiola
The Elland Road faithful have reason to be excited by their latest appointment
Leeds United have named Marcelo Bielsa as their new manager.
The appointment of the former Argentina boss has excited the Elland Road faithful and with good reason.
Bielsa is highly respected within the footballing world, not least by two of the Premier League's finest managers.
Pep Guardiola, who led Manchester City to a record 100 points on their way to the Premier League title in 2017/18, has regularly raved about the 62-year-old and, in 2017, even described him as the "best in the world".
Guardiola cast aside Bielsas lack of trophies in a 28-year managerial career, instead pointing to his tactical nous and track record of improving players.
He said: It doesnt matter how many titles he had in his career.
We are judged by that how much success we have, how many titles we have won, but that is much less influential than how he has influenced football and his football players.
That is why, for me, he is the best coach in the world.
Bielsas managerial CV includes spells at Athletic Bilbao, Marseille and Lazio, after six years as boss of his homeland and four years with Chile.
He last picked up a trophy in 2004, winning Olympic Gold with Argentina, while by contrast Guardiola has picked up 24 managerial medals in 11 years in the dugout.
But, for the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager, silverware isnt everything.
My admiration for Marcelo Bielsa is huge because he makes the players much, much better," added Guardiola.
I didnt meet one guy, a former player from Marcelo Bielsa, who speaks no good about him, they are grateful about his influence on their careers in football.
He helped me a lot with his advice whenever I speak with him I always feel like he wants to help me.
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Guardiola is not Bielsas only fan. Back in 2015, his protégé and former player Pochettino made similar claims.
He is one of the best managers in the world, said the Tottenham boss, when Bielsa was being linked with a move to Swansea City.
He is like my father in both ways because hes 60 years old and he is also like my football father. I have known him since I was 14 at Newells Old Boys.
The praise from two of the Premier Leagues most talented managers will be music to the ears of Leeds fans, who hope for an end to the managerial circus at Elland Road.
Since relegation from the top flight in 2004, Leeds fans have seen 20 managerial changes, including a stretch between 2012 and 2014 when control changed hands eight times in 30 months.