Leeds United could potentially be playing Newcastle United in the Premier League next season.
Phil Thompson has claimed that Marcelo Bielsa has had a similar effect at Leeds United to the one that Rafa Benitez has had at Newcastle.
The Sky Sports pundit pointed towards the fact that the supporters ‘absolutely love’ Bielsa, just like the Toon Army appreciate their current manager on the touchline.
Bielsa was appointed Leeds boss last summer and he has guided the club to the playoffs as they will be preparing for their Sunday afternoon clash against in-form Aston Villa.
Speaking to Soccer Saturday on Sky Sports (27/04/2019 at 2:25 pm), former Liverpool defender Thompson spoke about Bielsa and how he has ‘thrilled’ everyone with his football.
“It’s a bit of a Benitez effect, isn’t it with Bielsa?,” Thompson told Soccer Saturday. “The fans absolutely love him and they want him to stay – these have thrilled us. Leeds United have thrilled us this season with some great attacking player, it just seems that it’s going wrong all at the wrong time.”
Second-placed Sheffield United recorded a 2-0 win over already-relegated Ipswich Town on Saturday afternoon to all but confirm their promotion to the Premier League.
Bielsa’s side will now be preparing for the dreaded playoffs where they could potentially come up against either Derby County or Tony Pulis’ Boro in the semi-final.
If they pass that test then one of Midlands duo West Brom or Villa await them in the final, with their Sunday afternoon clash against Dean Smith’s side a potential dress rehersal for the playoff final.
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