Mark Viduka told the Football Show on Sky Sports on Tuesday that he ‘didn’t expect’ Marcelo Bielsa to have such an impact on Leeds.
The former striker stated that it was ‘too long a gap’ for Leeds to be away from the Premier League and he was delighted when they did return last summer.
Ever since Bielsa walked through the gates of Elland Road, he has transformed a club that spent nearly two decades in the wilderness.
Viduka shared his thoughts on Leeds, their supporters and the unique Bielsa.
“It’s good to have them back,” said Viduka. “It was too long a gap having them away from Premier League football. And also for the area.
“There are so many Leeds fans, you have got fans from where you (Paul Robinson) in Harrogate, Wetherby and York. Places like that. They are all huge Leeds fans.
“I was wrapped when Bielsa was appointed manager. I heard a lot of good things about him.
“To be honest, I didn’t expect him to have such a big impact. It just goes to show that somebody can take a team, okay they were a better team in the Championship, but to be in the Premier League and play the football that they play. It’s very exciting. I enjoy watching Leeds.
“I like his philosophy of attacking and the way that they play. You can tell that they have worked hard at the team’s cohesion. Pressing as a team.”
Whilst Leeds have spent some money since promotion, the squad of players that are heading towards a comfortable finish were sitting mid-table in the Championship before Bielsa arrived.
It’s the individual players that Bielsa has improved, from Kalvin Phillips to Stuart Dallas, who are now important cogs of Leeds’ all-action wheel.
And if the Yorkshire outfit continues down their current path then there’s no reason why they shouldn’t be dreaming about Europe during these coming seasons.
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