Football writer Beren Cross has suggested Leeds United should put up a statue in honour of recently sacked manager Marcelo Bielsa.
In the end, things did not finish in West Yorkshire quite as magically as many fans would have hoped. Indeed, the Argentine was let go having watched his team fail to win a single league game in their last six attempts while conceding a massive 21 goals in that period.
Despite that, what he has achieved with the club should not be forgotten. After all, he was the man who brought them from Championship obscurity to a top-half Premier League finish.
With that in mind, speaking on a Leeds United Live Facebook stream, Cross suggested the manager ought to be honoured appropriately following reports from the club stating the manager will be honoured outside Elland Road.
He said: “They are looking to have some kind of [permanent tribute]. You would think it’s got to be a statue of some description or some kind of physical [monument]. I think he needs more than a plaque, really, doesn’t he?”
TIF Thoughts on Marcelo Bielsa and Leeds…
Leeds are now just two points and two places above the relegation zone with only 12 games left of the season to play – having let in more goals than any other side in the division.
Will Leeds avoid relegation this season?
Yes
No
There’s a decent chance they will remain in the league by the end of the season, but even if they do go down, the fact they are even in the top flight in the first place is due to the management of Bielsa.
Leeds had finished around the middle of the table in the Championship in six of the previous seven seasons before Bielsa came in and took them up to the Premier League after a 16-year absence (via BBC).
No doubt, he has done a huge amount for the club in the modern era and it’s easy to see why Cross wants him honoured with a statue.
In other news: ‘Forever grateful’ – Mum of Leeds ace sends Marcelo Bielsa heartfelt message