Mario Lemina’s comments highlight the importance of keeping Marcelo Bielsa at Leeds United long-term

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Mario Lemina has been discussing his time working with Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa. The Gabon international is currently plying his trade for Southampton in the Premier League. He joined in an £18 million deal, according to The Telegraph, from Juventus in  August 2017.

But it was at Marseille where he made his name, especially in his season working under Bielsa at the Stade Velodrome.

Speaking to So Foot, he stated that Marseille were ‘more spectacular’ under Bielsa’s guidance.

“The first year, with Elie Baup was complicated but the following with Marcelo Bielsa was magnificent.

“We found another OM, more spectacular. With the coach, I learned a lot. It’s really very interesting to work under his command.

“When he left, it was a shock to me and that’s what made me want to go.”

– Mario Lemina on working with Bielsa

No doubt many of the players at Leeds United would agree with that statement. Bielsa has transformed this group of Leeds players into promotion hopefuls. Despite three straight defeats, they remain top of the Championship and favourites for automatic promotion to the Premier League.

What Lemina’s comments demonstrate is just how important it is that Leeds keep hold of the Argentine moving forward.

Clearly, he has a profound impact on players and to lose him could see Leeds struggling to keep or get the best out of several of their first-team stars.

Thankfully, it does not currently appear that he is going anywhere. Long may that continue.