Graham Smyth has been speaking in a live Q&A and answered many questions to do with Leeds United, including one about the future of Marcelo Bielsa.
Smyth was asked by @BleatingGreek what would the Whites do when the Argentine decides to leave Elland Road.
Here is the question in full:
“When the horrendous day comes that Bielsa leaves our club, who do we look towards to build for the long-term future?”
Smyth responded: “Let’s let the man achieve his goal before talking about replacements, which is my way of saying who on earth could replace him?
“Obviously there will be very talented and high profile managers and coaches who will want to come to Leeds and could do a terrific job, but unless a Bielsa disciple takes over, you’re going to have to go in a different direction.”
Smyth then switched to praising Bielsa and wondering what impact his departure would have on the Leeds squad members.
“I do often wonder how these players will feel when Bielsa leaves.
“Their bodies might let out a sigh of relief, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they’d be deflated or feel some kind of hangover. Bielsa has transformed them.”
It seems as if Smyth doesn’t want to speculate on how Leeds replace Bielsa, and he believes that the Argentine has transformed the squad.
Do you think Bielsa would stay at Leeds beyond this season?
Yes, if he gets us promoted
No, I think he will leave
TIF Thoughts…
Bielsa’s contract is up at the end of the season at Elland Road, but he is close to achieving promotion to the Premier League with his current squad.
The Whites sit on 78 points, six points clear of third with just five games to go, so the end is in sight for Bielsa, and then if he does achieve promotion, what next?
You would think he would want to stay and have a go in the Premier League, but this is the same manager who walked out on Lazio after two days, so he could do anything.
It will be intriguing to see what Bielsa does in the summer if the Whites are promoted to the Premier League.