According to TNT Sports in Argentina, Leeds United are now looking into the possibility of hiring Tata Martino as their new manager.
One thing has been very apparent through this managerial search, Leeds seem to want a boss with ties to Marcelo Bielsa.
They went for Carlos Corberan – Bielsa’s former assistant initially, then they turned towards Andoni Iraola – who played under Bielsa at Athletic Bilbao for a number of years, and then they looked at Marcelo Gallardo – who played under Bielsa when he was Argentina boss.
Now, Leeds are looking at Martino, and, as you may have guessed, he has his own links to Bielsa.
Martino, during his time as a player, was at Newell’s Old Boys at the same time Bielsa was, and it seems as though he left quite an impression on him.
His style of play is reminiscent of Bielsa’s, and, interestingly El Loco actually was the one who helped Martino get his last job in football.
Back in 2019, Mexico were reportedly looking to hire Bielsa as their new manager, but with the job-in-hand at Leeds, the Argentine politely declined.
While Bielsa did turn Mexico down, he didn’t just leave them high and dry. Instead of just hanging up the phone and rejecting the Central American side, he put in a word for Martino, telling the Mexican FA that they should hire him instead.
Bielsa’s words must’ve held some weight as Mexico did end up hiring Martino as their new gaffer.
Whether or not Leeds know about this tale is unknown, but it wouldn’t be surprising if the endorsement from Bielsa was playing a part in driving Leeds’ interest in the 60-year-old at this point.
Martino could now step into Bielsa’s old job after El Loco helped him in his last employment search.
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