Leeds manager’s reputation is truly a worldwide phenomenon.
Boca Juniors unveiled a new signing this weekend and saw the player spend part of his opening press conference discussing Marcelo Bielsa’s spell at Leeds.
The player in question is Paraguayan left-back Junior Alonso, who Bielsa signed for Lille last season.
Bielsa’s spell at Lille was short lived but he made a big impression on Alonso.
Alonso has fallen out of favour at Lille since Bielsa’s departure, now being sent on loan to Boca.
Quoted by Argentine website 442, Alonso said he enjoyed playing under Bielsa and is thrilled for his Leeds success.
He said: “He’s the biggest coach that managed me. I am very happy that he is doing well now because with him I learned a lot not only in terms of football but also in what refers to life.”
Bielsa’s impact on Alonso was obviously enough for him to be paying attention to what the Argentine is up to at Leeds.
Leeds already have signed left-back Barry Douglas under Bielsa, but if they hadn’t, perhaps Bielsa would have sought to bring his former signing with him to Elland Road given his availability.
The Whites are top of the Championship, exceeding early expectations in Bielsa’s first year in charge, and have a strong chance of winning promotion to the Premier League.
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