Darren Bent has shared that other managers have told him that Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa is ‘in their head’ compared to their fellow counterparts, as he told United View.
One thing is for sure, whatever you think of Leeds and Bielsa, his teams are entertaining to watch.
The likes of Mauricio Pochettino and Pep Guardiola look up to him and see him as this Godfather-like figure when it comes to coaching.
Bielsa is very demanding with his style, prefers a man-to-man marking system and is always on the front foot, regardless of form, scoreline or his team’s status.
Former England striker Bent stated that he loves what Bielsa brings to the Premier League table and shared the amazing story of what other managers think of him, compared to the likes of Jose Mourinho, Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp.
“I really like Bielsa,” said Bent. “You know what is funny is that I have spoken to other managers about him.
“I have spoken to managers that have played against Pep, Klopp and Mourinho, these guys.
“They always said that they went up against them guys and they were like ‘they tried to see what they do and held their own’.
“But they then said, they played against Bielsa and it was like he was in their head. Everything they tried to do, he already knew how to do it, so I like Bielsa. I think he is a top manager and I love him at Leeds.”
Crouched down on the touchline or sat on his famous ‘Bielsa bucket’, it’s an iconic image that will live long in the memory of Leeds supporters.
There are many sleeping giants outside of England’s top-flight, Nottingham Forest, who appointed Steve Cooper on Tuesday, are perhaps the biggest.
Like Forest, those in Yorkshire struggled for years and years to get back to the promised land.
Whilst Forest are still waiting for that day, Bielsa ended nearly two decades of hurt for the Whites and it’s something that has earned him legendary status.
And when he retires, it will probably be fitting for him to have a statue outside of Elland Road and him sitting on that famous bucket.
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