Marcelo Bielsa has opened up about his emotional connection with Leeds United supporters. A four-year adventure came to a crushing end in February when the Argentine was sacked following a poor run of form.
With Leeds sitting two points above the drop zone, fans were torn over whether to sack the popular manager. Andrea Radrizzani ultimately pulled the trigger on Bielsa after a brutal 4-0 hiding to Tottenham Hotspur.
An outpour of tributes from supporters highlighted the 67-year-old’s impact at Elland Road. Many had tried before him, but it was Bielsa, after all, who ended Leeds’ 16-year exile from the Premier League.
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Nine months on from his departure, the eccentric manager has met with Whites fans at a special event in Norway. The Leeds United Supporters Club of Scandinavia got wind of Bielsa’s visit to the country and requested a meeting.
His only condition was for entry to be free and around 100 fans showed up to welcome their hero. Speaking at the event, Bielsa hailed his “amazing” years in Yorkshire and regretted how his time at the club ended.
“I still felt loved and respected even if we were in a negative phase,” he said, via @svendleeds on Twitter. “One of the strongest emotions of a human being is being loved and loved unconditionally.
“What I received from you Leeds supporters is much more than I deserve. I don’t think I am worthy of the recognition you are giving me. Because what I did at Leeds, I was paid for. My years in Leeds were amazing. I would have given it all to end it in a better way.”
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