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Joe Donnohue

Stuart Dallas reveals final Marcelo Bielsa wish as Leeds United man recalls 'goosebumps' moment

Leeds United players and staff have been coming to terms with a new regime at Thorp Arch this week.

Jesse Marsch has replaced Marcelo Bielsa as the club's head coach after the Argentine was relieved of his duties last Sunday.

Due to the proximity of tomorrow's fixture against Leicester City, and Marsch's appointment some 32 hours after Bielsa had officially left the club, there has been little time to reflect upon Bielsa's tenure as Leeds boss.

Stalwart of the Bielsa era Stuart Dallas, has spoken to BBC Radio Leeds about the 66-year-old's time at Elland Road, recalling fond memories, expressing his gratitude and reflecting upon a seismic period in the club's history.

Stuart Dallas of Leeds United on the ball as Marcelo Bielsa, Manager of Leeds United is seen behind during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Crystal Palace at Elland Road (George Wood/Getty Images)

"I think we can look back with fond memories. It's been an absolute, crazy journey with Marcelo coming in and I'll be honest it was pretty emotional on Monday when he came in to say goodbye.

"I think as players we all know what he's done for us in recent years and he's changed our lives really, for the better, as individuals, as a team, as a club as a city."

Dallas also stated he hopes Leeds' position at the end of the season will allow the club to properly reflect on Bielsa's achievements from his 180-game, three-and-a-half year spell.

Stuart Dallas is one of the main Leeds United players to have benefited from Marcelo Bielsa's time at the club (Alex Dodd)

"I just hope we can sit at the end of the season and reflect properly on the job he's done and what he's done for us all.

"He's left this club in a much better position than it was [in] when he came in and it's somebody who can be very proud of the work that he's done here," Dallas said. "As players we're so, so grateful."

Questioned on his personal highlight of the Bielsa years, Dallas answered succinctly: "Promotion."

"My highlight for me is the night we got promoted.

"Just seeing him walk across the pitch when we were all up high and we were all shouting down at him and he's just waving at us and bowing down to us, that gives me goosebumps now thinking of it, that'll live with me forever.

"Coming up and just giving everybody a hug - the man did so much for us all and I'm very, very thankful."

Dallas is expected to feature for Leeds United tomorrow in the Whites' latest Premier League fixture away to Leicester City.

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