Aston Villa need a Bielsa-like figure to replace Steve Bruce

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Aston Villa have struggled for consistency so far this season and Steve Bruce’s position is under significant threat as a result.

The promotion hopefuls are in danger of slipping out of the running for a return to the Premier League and the most damning fact is that many saw it coming, with the writing on the wall ever since the early stages of the campaign.

Villa threw all their eggs in the promotion basket last season in their attempts to return to the top-flight and, after losing to Fulham in the playoff final at Wembley, soon encountered financial difficulties when that objective was not met.

Stability has been found with new owners since and further changes look to be on the cards but the missing piece is a manager who can overhaul the club significantly, in a similar style to what Marcelo Bielsa has done at Leeds.

Bielsa arrived in English football this summer with a stellar reputation and vast experience across European football, although his stock had taken a significant hit following poor spells with Lazio and Lille.

He quickly set around putting his imprint onto Leeds’ squad, signing Patrick Bamford and Barry Douglas as well as bringing in Izzy Brown, Jamal Blackman and Lewis Baker from Chelsea, along with Jack Harrison from Manchester City.

The results speak for themselves, as Bielsa has led Leeds to immediate improvements and they stand amongst the favourites to seal a long-awaited return to the Premier League – and it did not take a huge lump of cash to make it possible.

Instead, Bielsa completed smart business and made his biggest changes to the clubs tactics – installing a swift, expansive style of play that has seen them score 20 goals, the second-highest tally in the division behind West Brom.

Villa are in need of similar changes when replacing Bruce, not only to provide a breath of fresh air into their side but to also boost the optimism around Villa Park and to establish a platform to build upon in the coming years.