A brilliant first half of Leeds United's Championship season has reignited hopes of a return to the Premier League, with whispers of a potential return for Marcelo Bielsa adding to the excitement.
Leeds currently leads the standings with 51 points, and is narrowly ahead of second-placed Sheffield United. The White Team intends to secure automatic promotion and overcome last season's disappointment.
Amid the hype surrounding Leeds' bid for promotion, former Aston Villa striker and football pundit Gabby Agbonlahor has made a claim about Bielsa's potential return to Elland Road.
The Argentine manager, who remains a popular figure among Leeds fans, led the club to their first Premier League promotion in 16 years during his transformative tenure from 2018-2022.
Gabby Agbonlahor advises Marcelo Bielsa to return to Leeds United
He highlighted the famous Argentine man's censorship system, which has become a hallmark of his tenure, and is something fans could see again if the Whites return to the top flight.
talk on talkSPORTAgbonlahor said:
“They've lost Somerville, they've lost all their good players, but Leeds – teams have to deserve promotion – but Leeds have to be in the Premier League.
“The fan base they have, the stadium, the history – and maybe Bielsa can come back and they can play man-to-man again.”
It was his distinctive one-man marking system and high-intensity attacking style that defined his time at Leeds, earning him widespread admiration and cementing his place as one of the most influential managers in the club's recent history.
Bielsa's legacy at Elland Road
Bielsa's impact on Leeds has been transformative. Taking the reins in 2018, he masterminded the club's long-awaited return to the Premier League in 2020, ending a 16-year exile. His dynamic and attacking style of play not only captivated fans, but also earned him widespread acclaim throughout English football.
Under his leadership, Leeds became a strong side and went on to achieve a commendable ninth-place finish in their first season in the Premier League.
Although Bielsa will depart in 2022 after a challenging season, his impact on the club remains profound. His tenure revitalized Leeds, on and off the field, and his name continues to resonate with fans.
Bielsa is currently coaching the Uruguay national teamWhich makes a return unlikely in the near future. For now, Leeds' focus remains firmly on their promotion campaign under Daniel Farke, who has also done a fantastic job since taking charge.
They were very close to promotion last season, but missed out in the play-offs, and this season, they have them pushing for promotion again, aiming to get the job done this time.
