Gonzalo Jara already knew Marcelo Bielsa from his time with Chile.
Not many players turn down the opportunity to work with Marcelo Bielsa.
The famed Leeds United manager is known for his attention to detail and tactical innovation.
Gonzalo Jara has told AS that he regrets not linking up with Bielsa at club level when he had the chance.
Jara was looking for a new club in 2014 after his Nottingham Forest contract came to an end.
Jara said he could have joined Bielsa at Marseille, and chose German side Mainz instead. He regrets it.
The defender said: “If you ask me about a decision I would change, it is that. In England I had found my best level and had a family security. Bielsa wanted to take me to Marseille, but I opted for the Mainz offer.
“In Germany it was difficult for me to adapt, my children went back and I returned one year later.”
That turned out to be Jara’s last seasn in Europe. He headed back to Chile, and recently joined Argentine side Estudiantes.
The 33-year-old West Brom defender earned 110 caps through his career at international level, many of which came under Bielsa.
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