This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
Marcelo Bielsa has been something of a sideshow attraction for the British media since his arrival at Elland Road in the summer of 2018.
Indeed, the Argentine has been a fascinating character in the English game over the past 18 months or so, but that fascination seems to be calming as of late.
We’re rarely seeing long features about the Argentine’s life and his press conferences are much more straightforward.
Phil Hay believes that this is down to the fact that everyone has become accustomed to the 64-year-old’s presence and that results are now the most important thing at Leeds.
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What’s been said then?
The Athletic journalist was talking on the aptly named The Phil Hay Show (28/11 15:50)
“We’re genuinely down to brass tax now, it’s all about results and promotion.” Hay said.
“That isn’t to say that it wasn’t last season, but there was some sort of magical element of him coming in and doing what he did with the squad that most of us would have taken to the abattoir six months earlier.
“You get used to it, it becomes familiar, so you start to take it slightly for granted, and I think people are now in the habit of expecting his team to do what they do
“Even in his press conferences, last season there was loads of philosophy and loads of fascination about his past career and his life.
“Nowadays it’s down to team news and not a huge amount else and he knows if it doesn’t happen this season he’ll be gone, and if it doesn’t happen this season there’ll be players at the club who will be gone, very good players.”
All or nothing
Hay’s comments seem to indicate that this has to be it for Leeds United.
The Whites may be waiting years to have another opportunity like this if they’re not promoted this season as The Athletic’s Leeds United correspondent has predicted the Whites’ squad to be torn apart if they don’t go up.
Not only will numerous players leave, but he’s stated that Bielsa will go, and that is more damaging than anything.
Promotion is obviously the goal every season, but this year it’s that much more worrying for Leeds if they don’t achieve it.
If you add to that the potential investment of QSI and it wouldn’t be a complete surprise if their takeover plans hinged on Premier League status.
In other news, a Leeds journalist has claimed that one loanee’s Elland Road career is over.