Lee Bowyer will be a strong contender to replace Marcelo Bielsa one day.
Marcelo Bielsa has brought so much to Leeds United and has plenty more to give.
But after the weekend loss to Charlton, the manager hailed in Yorkshire as a God to some supporters is looking rather mortal.
While this was a surprise defeat, it was a very familiar one. Bielsa’s Leeds were wasteful, over elaborate, and are beginning to look flawed rather than simply unlucky.
Bielsa’s contract at Leeds expires at the end of this season, and he took some convincing to re-sign this past summer.
If he and Leeds fall short once again, will he want to renew for a third season?
Perhaps it does not bear thinking about now, but fi that day comes, Lee Bowyer did himself no harm at all this past weekend.
Bowyer has performed wonders at Charlton so far, especially considering this is his first job in management.
He was able to get the Addicks promoted last season and this campaign in the Championship he is off to an impressive start too.
Bowyer’s reputation has been boosted by knocking off Leeds at the weekend, who came into the game at the top of the table.
Consider his previous Leeds connections too, where he remains admired by large sections of the fanbase from his time as a player, and he could be a popular appointment.
Bowyer’s playing style is not the same as Bielsa’s, it is more pragmatic, but should Leeds need to replace the Argentine, then they should go a different route, rather than looking for a cheap imitation.
Surely Bowyer would find it tough to say no if the Whites came calling.
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