OPINION
After weeks of speculation, Leeds fans can finally celebrate the appointment of Marcelo Bielsa as manager – but was it easy convincing the Argentine to take charge?
The Whites revealed via their official Twitter account that the veteran coach had put pen to paper on a deal which sees him take the empty manager’s seat in the dugout, which was vacated by Paul Heckingbottom just over a fortnight ago.
?? | #LUFC are delighted to announce the appointment of Argentine Marcelo Bielsa in the role of head coach
— Leeds United (@LUFC) June 15, 2018
The Argentinian coach is heading into uncharted territory with his first job in England, and while he was quite clearly Leeds’ first choice to take over, there would likely have been some doubts in his mind over a role at an ambitious club who finished a disappointing 13th in the table last season.
Now, Sky Sports reporter Jim White has made a stunning revelation on his own Twitter account, stating that the Whites were forced to conduct an incredible four-day interview, as well as discussions in the former Lille man’s home country, to get a deal over the line.
Done deal! After four-day interview and talks in Argentina, Marcelo Bielsa is new head coach of @LUFC – two year deal plus option of further year.
— Jim White (@JimWhite) June 15, 2018
While some might think the interview might have been a one way conversation, with Andrea Radrizzani quizzing Bielsa about his plans were he to join, it would have likely been a case of the proposed manager questioning the Italian over why he should agree to join the club – and understandably so.
The Whites have a history of turmoil and three managers in 12 months is not a great record, while their transfer business left much to be desired last summer.
Major doubts would have been in Bielsa’s mind from the moment he was approached, and it looks as though there had to be some serious convincing to change his opinion and get him to put pen to paper.