Newell’s Old Boys sporting director Julio Saldana has admitted that the club would love to bring Marcelo Bielsa back as manager. The Leeds gaffer is out of contract at the end of the season – his future a talking point.
Bielsa, of course, is a legend with the Argentine side. He played 25 times for Newell’s – the side Lionel Messi played for prior to Barcelona – but it was his time as manager that saw him earn iconic status.
He won the Torneo Clausura in 1992 as manager – now simply known as the Argentina Primera Division. He also guided Newell’s to the final of the Copa Libertadores, only to lose to Brazilian giants Sao Paulo on penalties.
A legendary career including Argentina, Athletic Bilbao, Chile and Marseille currently sees Bielsa shining at Leeds. He has awoken a sleeping giant in the Yorkshire side, taking them to ninth in the Premier League last term.
But as all Leeds fans know, Bielsa likes to work on a 12-month rolling contract and of course, that makes him out of contract this summer. Saldana, as quoted by NOB’s Twitter, says he wants Bielsa to return.
Newell’s want Bielsa: Leeds boss may find it hard to turn down
Bielsa has openly admitted in Leeds press conferences that Newell’s is the club he supports, the one that is in his heart. Now aged 66 and turning 67 in July, Bielsa only has a few more years as a manager in professional football.
So, to return to his home country, with the club he adores, the stadium named after him – and his family, who have remained in Argentina, will surely tempt Bielsa. It might be he leaves Leeds for Newell’s this summer.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
