Report: Orta thinks Marcelo Gallardo is Bielsa’s true successor, but he has no intention of joining Leeds

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Leeds United think Marcelo Gallardo is the real long-term heir to Marcelo Bielsa – but luring to Elland Road is proving a problem.

The Telegraph report that Leeds have taken a real liking to Gallardo and believe he can be the man to really continue Bielsa’s legacy.

It’s suggested that Victor Orta is particularly interested in Gallardo and would love to bring him to Elland Road.

However, Gallardo isn’t interested in taking over a time in the middle of the season and wants to wait until summer.

That matches up with Fabrizio Romano’s claims that Gallardo has ‘no intention’ of becoming Leeds United manager any time soon.

That just means that another manager to cross off the list for Leeds and Orta.

Sacking Jesse Marsch a couple of weeks ago hasn’t really worked with Leeds unable to find a replacement.

That means Michael Skubala remains in caretaker charge but defeat to Everton on Saturday means Leeds are in real danger of relegation.

Marcelo Gallardo interest continues Leeds United trend

Gallardo is currently on sabbatical, taking some well-earned time out of the game having left his role with River Plate in December.

River racked up 14 trophies under Gallardo including two Copa Libertadores titles and one league title in 2021.

A club hero at River, Gallardo will be wanted across Europe and doesn’t have to jump at the first opportunity.

The mention of him being Bielsa’s true heir is interesting given that he is the latest former Bielsa player to be linked with the job.

Gallardo played under Bielsa for Argentina in the early 2000’s and will have taken some inspiration from him.

Leeds have also looked at Rayo Vallecano boss Andoni Iraola, who played under Bielsa fro Athletic Club.

Then there is Gerardo Martino, who was surprisingly linked with the job last week and played under Bielsa with Newell’s Old Boys.

Leeds may have moved on from Bielsa but his influence remains strong at Elland Road, with the Whites seemingly hoping to land one of his former players.