OPINION
The very best of men don’t try and take credit for other people’s work. Instead they praise others for things that were actually done on their watch.
Leeds fans don’t need reminding what a great manager Marcelo Bielsa is. But they got a brilliant example of what a fantastic man manager and team player he is today, as well as yet more evidence of how humble the man is.
Talking in his pre-match press conference today, Bielsa said that Victor Orta is the “creator” of the Leeds team currently topping the table.
“The creator of this team is Victor Orta,” Bielsa said, as quoted by Leeds Live.
“This team has a privileged position in the Championship. Clearly, he was not mistaken. I trust but not because it’s rational trust. I don’t trust just because we work in the same club. I trust his work. And also I trust the support that the president gives to Victor’s decisions. When the club takes decisions, the decisions are mine.
“When I say this team was built by Victor Orta, but if this team doesn’t work, I will be responsible. Why do I tell you that? Because when they propose things and I accept, it’s my decision. So I trust Victor and the only parameter is we bring a player only if he adds value to the team, not to give an image of bringing in players.”
Of course that’s strictly speaking, true. But let’s not forget that this was also the team that finished 13th last season, and ended up way closer in points to relegation than the automatic promotion spots.
But Bielsa is a generous man. He doesn’t need the praise any more – he’s already had it from greats like Mauricio Pochettino and Pep Guardiola.
But his words will make Victor Orta beam.
It wasn’t long ago that Orta was being blamed for everything that was wrong with the club.
Now, it seems, all he needed to be proved a genius was the right manager.
We’re not being flippant here. We’re loving the shape of the first-team squad and the Under-23s is arguably even better.
Bielsa also hinted that incomings could be on their way in January, saying Leeds need a winger and a goalkeeper.
He said they would only bring players in if they were better than the ones Leeds already had. That’s the next challenge for Orta.
And if he succeeds in bringing in the right players and they help maintain Leeds’ place at the top of the table, Orta, along with Bielsa, will become an Elland Road legend.
What a turnaround… and what a guy Bielsa is. Have we said that already?