Queens Park Rangers manager Steve McClaren has hailed the “massive signing” Leeds United made when hiring Marcelo Bielsa this summer.
The Rangers manager, who takes his 11th-placed site to second-placed Leeds on Saturday afternoon, is in no doubt the fixture will be one of the most demanding for his team this campaign.
McLaren explained how the arrival of Argentine Bielsa has raised the roof at Elland Road and ensured the stadium is a sell-out every week.
“I think for most teams in the Championship going to Elland Road will represent one of their toughest tests of the season,” McLaren told the official QPR website.
“They are filling the stadium now and made a massive signing in Bielsa during the summer which raised expectations beyond the roof.
“We will need a lot of belief and a lot of courage – that’s what all teams need when you go to a place like Elland Road if you are to get a result there.”
OPINION
No Leeds fan needs to be told of the impact made by Bielsa since he was given the biggest contract at the club since the days when Peter Ridsdale would sign cheques the club just couldn’t afford. That said, supporters love hearing about how much respect their bucket-sitting tactician has from the managerial brotherhood, who have been so impressed that such a respected and groundbreaking coach has stepped down to the English Championship. Bielsa speaks with great respect about the demands of the fascinating league and those who play in it, and it is clear he does not regard himself as too big or good for it. From that perspective, the Argentine is the anti-Mourinho. He is singular, unorthodox and an absolute football obsessive but does not come across as conceited or self-regarding. This only adds to his popularity among the Elland Road faithful, while the rest of us watch on fascinated as to whether he can steer Leeds back to the Premier League promised land at the first attempt.