Report: As well as Iraola, Leeds want another manager who has played under Marcelo Bielsa

Follow us on Google Discover

According to The Times, Leeds United are reportedly interested in Marcelo Gallardo as a potential new manager.

The report states that Gallardo is one of the names on the Whites’ four-man shortlist.

Gallardo has built an impressive reputation in management with River Plate over in Argentina where he managed to win a league title and two Copa Libertadores trophies.

Interestingly, The Argentine has a close relationship with Marcelo Bielsa, who was, of course, Leeds’ manager in their most successful recent period.

Gallardo has spoken highly of Bielsa in the past, praising him during his time as the Argentine national team coach.

The 47-year-old did play a number of games under Bielsa for Argentina, and Ttis makes Gallardo an intriguing candidate for the Elland Road post as Leeds seem to be looking for a Bielsa disciple as their next gaffer.

Indeed, with Carlos Corberan – Bielsa’s former assistant, and Andoni Iraola – a former Bielsa player at Bilbao, both being linked, it appears that Leeds want someone who understands that unique style of play.

Gallardo certainly fits that bill. His teams are known for their attacking style of play and intensity, and he could breathe a new life into this struggling Leeds side.

However, Gallardo may be a difficult manager to get hold of right now. He was keen to have an extended break away from the game after leaving River Plate, and he’s never managed in Europe, so going to Leeds in the midst of a relegation battle would represent a real jump in at the deep end.

Whether or not Leeds pursue Gallardo or not remains to be seen, but this would certainly be an intriguing appointment if the Whites were to go through with it.