Former Leeds United striker Jermaine Beckford has hailed the legacy left by Marcelo Bielsa after guiding them back to the Premier League after a 16-year absence and enveloping himself into the city's culture.
The 66-year-old left the Whites earlier this week following a dismal run of results which has left them in a relegation battle.
Bielsa will go down as a club legend for his achievements, not only making an impact on the pitch but also throughout the city.
Beckford, who played more than 150 times for Leeds between 2006 and 2010, praised the legacy he has left behind.
Speaking on BT Sport before their 1-0 loss to Leicester - Jesse Marsch’s first game as Whites boss - he said: “He (Bielsa) managed to bring so much back to the football club that had been missing for years.
“You look at him going to hospitals, he’s done lots with children’s charities. He finished training every day and walked through Tesco in his Leeds United gear.
“You don’t tend to hear about these sorts of stuff and it brings the realisation that he’s bought into the passion of the city and the club.
“He’s given the club exactly what it’s been missing for a long time.”
Bielsa managed more than 170 games during his four-year stay at Leeds, leaving with a 45.5 win percentage.
Upon the club’s promotion to Premier League in 2020, he was named Championship manager of the year.
In a statement that announced the news of Bielsa’s departure, Leeds chairman Andrea Radrizzani described the decision as “ the toughest I have had to make during my tenure at Leeds United.”
He added: “I have to act in the best interest of the club and I believe a change is required now in order to secure our Premier League status.
“Naturally, myself, along with everyone else at the club would like to thank Marcelo for his efforts and achievements and we wish him the very best for the future.”
Following Saturday’s loss to Leicester, Leeds are winless in seven games, picking up just one point in that time and consequently hang two points above the bottom three.
