Report: Marcelo Bielsa on Barcelona radar, eight other managers being considered

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Spanish outlet Cuatro report that nine managers are being considered to replace Ronald Koeman at Barcelona – and Marcelo Bielsa is one of those.

Bielsa, 66, has excelled at Leeds – becoming one of the best managers in the club’s history, drawing comparisons with the all-conquering Don Revie.

Now in his fourth season at Elland Road, the Argentine has stayed at Leeds longer than any other club – managing more games than even Bilbao.

He has taken Leeds from a mid-table Championship club to ninth in the Premier League with largely, a group of the same players at Elland Road.

Little surprise, then, that Barcelona are keen. A report states that Bielsa is one of nine managers being considered – along with Xavi and more.

Others include Thierry Henry, Roberto Martinez, Andrea Pirlo, Erik Ten Hag, Antonio Conte, Albert Capellas and Barcelona B boss Sergi Barjuan.

The report says: “He was already on Barcelona’s radar years ago. Bielsa’s idea is to continue at Leeds. “But if the offer is good, ‘El Loco’ could move’.”

Bielsa to Barcelona: Why Leeds gaffer better off in Yorkshire

Now of course, no Leeds fans could begrudge Bielsa a move to Barcelona. It would be enormous for the Argentine, but here is why Leeds is better.

Firstly, Leeds are ready to back the gaffer. They are happy to spend money, they are willing to listen to every word of advice, every demand.

He has the admiration of fans, he is a legend at Leeds. At Barcelona, he would lack the power of spending, under immediate pressure.

But mostly, the reason it clicked at Leeds, Bilbao, Marseille – is because players bought into his intense sessions. His style of play.

For players to do that, means they must be in awe of Bielsa – without an ego. At Barcelona, they are hardly going to do that. He is better off at Leeds.