Luke Ayling has opened up on what Marcelo Bielsa did during Leeds’ title celebrations last season, and described it as ‘the best feeling’ to Mundial’s Giant podcast.
The full-back, who Leeds paid £250,000 for, said: ‘The first time we see him, we’ve been there for a couple of hours, had a few beers, we see him coming across the pitch.
“For two years he’s kept us at arm’s length, not really shown that side of him and then he’s walking across the pitch and we’re singing ‘Marcelo Bielsa’ and he’s down there pumping his fists. You could see how happy he was, he’s hugged us and gone round to everyone and honestly it was the best feeling, him cuddling you, talking in your ear saying thank you, thank you we did it.’
To some, it might not sound like much following the confirmation of a league title.
However, Ayling portrays the moment as holding so much emotional significance due to Bielsa’s not-so-affectionate behaviour over the course of the season.
If he was the type to hug and thank his players all season long even before they’ve achieved anything, then Ayling presumably wouldn’t have been so moved by the Argentine doing just that during the title celebrations.
Bielsa’s gratitude towards his squad just shows the mark of the man.
It was he who stepped into the Championship as one of the most highly-rated coaches around, where he then transformed a side of nearly-men into a team who completely tore apart the division.
In that respect, some bosses of his stature might not dish out any thank yous after winning the title, but would expect them in their direction.
It’s good to see the humbleness that Bielsa possesses, and also how he makes his players feel valued when they achieve something together.
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