Leeds United right-back Luke Ayling has revealed he was “shocked and surprised” when he learned Marcelo Bielsa had left the club, admitting there were “a few tears” upon his exit. The Argentine departed Elland Road in February following a streak of disappointing results that left the Whites fighting relegation.
He was let go after a 4-0 home defeat to Tottenham that followed a 6-0 thrashing by Liverpool, a 4-2 defeat to Manchester United and a 3-0 loss to Everton. Bielsa left Leeds with the leakiest defence in the Premier League this season - which is still the case - but, of course, that is not what most will remember him by.
His Premier League promotion success ensured his name was etched in Elland Road folklore as he became a much-loved figure, not just at the club, but within the whole city. His exit was felt by many, including Ayling who described the goodbye as “horrible.” He told the Daily Star: "I was shocked and surprised (when he left). But that's football, it can be harsh.
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"We were Championship players when he arrived and he turned us into Premier League players. We'll always be grateful to him." Speaking about the day of Bielsa's exit, Ayling added: “It was emotional. I was at a kids' party when I found out and passing by, so I popped into the training ground and gave him a big cuddle.
"There were a few tears. It was horrible. He's gone back home to Argentina now, so the saddest part is not knowing if we'll ever see him again. The memories I will take from him come from when we got promoted. The morning after we were all at the training ground and he got driven in. We were all singing his name and I'll never forget his smile. We all felt that happiness."
Bielsa was replaced by Jesse Marsch, under whom Leeds fans have enjoyed a number of spectacular games already. The club welcome Southampton to Elland Road today as they try to make it three wins on the spin.
