View source for Marcelo Bielsa

{{short description|Argentine football manager (born 1955)}}
{{family name hatnote|Bielsa|Caldera|lang=Spanish}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2018}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Marcelo Bielsa
| image = Marcelo Bielsa 2018 (cropped).jpg
| caption = Bielsa in 2018
| full_name = {{nowrap|Marcelo Alberto Bielsa Caldera<ref>{{cite web |url=http://actas.rfef.es/actas/RFEF_CmpActa1?cod_primaria=1000144&CodActa=20207 |title=Acta del Partido celebrado el 01 de junio de 2013, en Madrid |trans-title=Minutes of the Match held on 1 June 2013, in Madrid |publisher=Royal Spanish Football Federation |access-date=23 May 2021 |language=es |archive-date=23 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210523211725/http://actas.rfef.es/actas/RFEF_CmpActa1?cod_primaria=1000144&CodActa=20207 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="MARCELO BIELSA: THE FACTS BEHIND THE MAN">{{cite web |title=MARCELO BIELSA: THE FACTS BEHIND THE MAN |url=https://www.leedsunited.com/news/team-news/23434/13-facts-about-marcelo-bielsa |website=Leeds United |date=15 June 2018 |access-date=20 July 2021}}</ref>}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1955|7|21|df=y}}<ref name="MARCELO BIELSA: THE FACTS BEHIND THE MAN" />
| birth_place = [[Rosario, Santa Fe|Rosario]], Argentina<ref name="MARCELO BIELSA: THE FACTS BEHIND THE MAN" />
| position = [[Defender (association football)|Defender]]
| currentclub = [[Uruguay national football team|Uruguay]] (manager)
| youthyears1 = 
| youthclubs1 = 
| years1 = 1975–1977
| clubs1 = [[Newell's Old Boys]]
| caps1 = 25
| goals1 = 0
| years2 = 1978–1979
| clubs2 = [[Instituto Atlético Central Córdoba|Instituto]]
| caps2 = 40
| goals2 = 0
| years3 = 1979–1980
| clubs3 = [[Argentino de Rosario]]
| caps3 = 48
| goals3 = 0
| totalcaps = 113
| totalgoals = 0
| nationalyears1 = 1976
| nationalteam1 = [[Argentina national under-23 football team|Argentina U23]]
| nationalcaps1 = 4
| nationalgoals1 = 0
| manageryears1 = 1987–1990
| managerclubs1 = [[Newell's Old Boys]] II
| manageryears2 = 1990–1992
| managerclubs2 = [[Newell's Old Boys]]
| manageryears3 = 1993–1995
| managerclubs3 = [[Atlas F.C.|Atlas]]
| manageryears4 = 1995–1996
| managerclubs4 = [[Club América|América]]
| manageryears5 = 1997–1998
| managerclubs5 = [[Club Atlético Vélez Sarsfield|Vélez Sarsfield]]
| manageryears6 = 1998
| managerclubs6 = [[RCD Espanyol|Espanyol]]
| manageryears7 = 1998–2004
| managerclubs7 = [[Argentina national football team|Argentina]]
| manageryears8 = 2004
| managerclubs8 = [[Argentina national under-23 football team|Argentina U23]]
| manageryears9 = 2007–2011
| managerclubs9 = [[Chile national football team|Chile]]
| manageryears10 = 2011–2013
| managerclubs10 = [[Athletic Bilbao]]
| manageryears11 = 2014–2015
| managerclubs11 = [[Olympique de Marseille|Marseille]]
| manageryears12 = 2016
| managerclubs12 = [[SS Lazio|Lazio]]
| manageryears13 = 2017
| managerclubs13 = [[Lille OSC|Lille]]
| manageryears14 = 2018–2022
| managerclubs14 = [[Leeds United F.C.|Leeds United]]
| manageryears15 = 2023–
| managerclubs15 = [[Uruguay national football team|Uruguay]]
| medaltemplates = {{Medal|Sport|Men's [[Association football|football]]}}
{{Medal|Country|{{fb|ARG}}}} <small>(as manager)</small>
{{MedalCompetition|[[Olympic Games]]}} 
{{MedalGold|[[2004 Summer Olympics|2004 Athens]]|[[Football at the 2004 Summer Olympics – Men's tournament|Team]]}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[Copa América]]}}
{{Medal|RU|[[2004 Copa América|2004 Peru]]|[[2004 Copa América squads#Argentina|Team]]}}
{{Medal|Country|{{fb|URU}}}} <small>(as manager)</small>
{{MedalCompetition|[[Copa América]]}}
{{Medal|3rd|[[2024 Copa América|2024 United States]]|[[2024 Copa América squads#Uruguay|Team]]}}
}}
'''Marcelo Alberto Bielsa Caldera'''<ref name="MARCELO BIELSA: THE FACTS BEHIND THE MAN" /> ({{IPA|es|maɾˈselo alˈβeɾto ˈβjelsa|}},{{efn|name=''Bielsa'' in isolation|In isolation, ''Bielsa'' is pronounced {{IPA|es|ˈbjelsa|}}.}} nicknamed ''El Loco Bielsa'' {{IPA|es|ˈloko ˈβjelsa|}},{{efn|name=''Bielsa'' in isolation}} meaning 'The Madman Bielsa'; born 21 July 1955) is an Argentine professional [[Association football|football]] manager who is the current manager of the [[Uruguay national football team|Uruguay national team]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Marcelo Bielsa Profile |url=https://www.planetsport.com/soccer/marcelo-bielsa |access-date=27 January 2023 |website=PlanetSport}}</ref> He is widely regarded as one of the most influential coaches of all time.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://historyofsoccer.info/marcelo-bielsa#:~:text=Marcelo%20Bielsa%20Football%20Timeline&text=After%20his%20success%20at%20Newell's,to%20the%202010%20World%20Cup.|title=Marcelo Bielsa: The Most Influential Coach of the 21st Century|date=7 September 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.coachesvoice.com/cv/marcelo-bielsa-leeds-united/|title=Marcelo Bielsa: In Others' Words}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://soofootball.com/marcelo-bielsas-influence-on-guardiola-zidane-pochettino/|title=Marcelo Bielsa's Influence On Guardiola, Zidane & Pochettino|first=John|last=Anyanwu|date=13 February 2021|website=Soofootball}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.goal.com/en-in/news/bielsa-guardiola-how-incredible-leeds-boss-influenced-greatest-coach-of-modern-era/1glkoeyo2lpay1ne5faw3f6tqu|title=Bielsa and Guardiola: How 'incredible' Leeds boss influenced the greatest coach of the modern era|website=Goal.com}}</ref> Bielsa played as a [[Defender (association football)|defender]] for [[Newell's Old Boys]], [[Instituto Atlético Central Córdoba|Instituto]], and [[Argentino de Rosario]].

Bielsa played as a defender in Newell's Old Boys' [[Argentine Primera División|First Division team]] and was a member of [[Argentina national under-23 football team|Argentina U23]] in the [[1976 CONMEBOL Pre-Olympic Tournament|1976 Pre-Olympic Tournament]],<ref name="ahifu">{{cite web |title=Preolímpico 1976: Cuando las "reglas" y los "criterios" nos dejaron afuera de Montreal |url=http://ahifu.uy/2023/09/02/preolimpico-1976-cuando-las-reglas-y-los-criterios-nos-dejaron-afuera-de-montreal/ |website=Asociación de Historiadores e Investigadores del Fútbol Uruguayo |access-date=14 March 2024 |language=es |date=2 September 2023 |quote=Ese equipo, además, lo integraba un tal Marcelo Bielsa, back derecho. Fue titular en todos los duelos, menos ante los orientales. Tan bueno fue lo del valor de Newell´s Old Boys que hasta fue incluido en el Equipo Ideal.}}</ref> but retired when he was 25 to focus on coaching.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.90min.com/posts/6387562-marcelo-bielsa-el-loco-s-journey-from-argentina-to-footballing-immortality-in-europe|title=Marcelo Bielsa: El Loco's Journey From Argentina to Footballing Immortality in Europe|date=10 June 2019|website=90min|accessdate=14 February 2021|archive-date=20 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020100127/https://www.90min.com/posts/6387562-marcelo-bielsa-el-loco-s-journey-from-argentina-to-footballing-immortality-in-europe|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=What Leeds fans can expect from Pep Guardiola's idol, Marcelo Bielsa: the crazy one |work=FourFourTwo |url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/what-leeds-fans-can-expect-pep-guardiolas-idol-marcelo-bielsa-crazy-one |access-date=7 August 2018}}</ref> Bielsa has managed several football clubs and also the national teams of [[Argentina national football team|Argentina]] and [[Chile national football team|Chile]]. He developed his career as coach of Newell's Old Boys where he won several titles in the early 1990s, before moving to Mexico in 1992, briefly coaching [[Atlas F.C.|Club Atlas]] and [[Club América]]. Bielsa returned to Argentina in 1997 to manage [[Club Atlético Vélez Sarsfield|Vélez Sarsfield]], leading them to the [[1997–98 Argentine Primera División|1998 league title (Clausura)]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.infobae.com/2013/05/30/713152-velez-le-ganaba-huracan-y-el-loco-bielsa-lograba-un-nuevo-campeonato/|title=Vélez le ganaba a Huracán y con el 'Loco' Bielsa lograba un nuevo campeonato|first=30 de Mayo|last=de 2013|website=infobae|date=18 November 2017 |access-date=14 February 2021}}</ref>

His personality and gestures during his stint in Chile captured the attention of media and unleashed a series of minor controversies both in sports and politics.<ref name=LaNacionKramer2012>{{Cite news|title=Chile. Furor por una película que parodia a Piñera|url=https://www.lanacion.com.ar/el-mundo/furor-por-una-pelicula-que-parodia-a-pinera-nid1500331/|last=Vergara|first=Carlos|date=18 August 2012|access-date=22 January 2021|work=[[La Nación]]|language=es}}</ref><ref name=Disculpas>{{cite web|url=http://radio.uchile.cl/2010/07/02/bielsa-%E2%80%9Cdisculpas-a-los-chilenos-que-pude-incomodar%E2%80%9D/|title=Bielsa: "Disculpas a los chilenos que pude incomodar"|date=2 July 2010|access-date=5 October 2020|website=Diario y Radio U Chile|language=es|quote=En una breve carta dirigida la país, el Director Técnico de la Selección chilena, Marcelo Bielsa, buscó terminar con la polémica suscita por su frío saludo al Presidente Sebastián Piñera, durante la visita oficial del plantel a La Moneda.}}</ref> He had a two year-spell in Spain at [[Athletic Bilbao]] between 2011 and 2013, leading them to domestic and continental cup finals in the first season, though they lost both. In May 2014, Bielsa was appointed coach of [[Olympique de Marseille|Marseille]], starting with good results but finishing outside the expected first three places in [[Ligue 1]], resigning after just over a year at the French club.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2543142-marcelo-bielsa-resigns-as-marseille-manager-latest-details-reaction|title=Marcelo Bielsa Resigns as Olympique Marseille Manager: Latest Details, Reaction|website=[[Bleacher Report]]|date=8 August 2015}}</ref> He remains highly regarded by OM fans for his offensive playing style and personality.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eurosport.fr/football/ligue-1/2015-2016/ligue-1-pourquoi-l-om-est-nostalgique-de-bielsa_sto5053410/story.shtml|title=Ligue 1 : Pourquoi l'OM reste nostalgique de Bielsa|website=[[Eurosport]]|date=10 January 2016|language=fr}}</ref>

In June 2018, Bielsa was appointed manager of then-[[EFL Championship|Championship]] club [[Leeds United F.C.|Leeds United]], leading the club to promotion back to the [[Premier League]] in 2020 after a 16-year absence as a result of winning the [[2019–20 EFL Championship]]. Leeds United is the club at which he spent the most time as manager in his career,<ref name="Marcelo Bielsa has Leeds United fans dreaming of a return to Europe">{{cite news |last1=Heppenstall |first1=Ross |title=Marcelo Bielsa has Leeds United fans dreaming of a return to Europe |url=https://www.thetimes.com/sport/football/article/marcelo-bielsa-has-leeds-united-fans-dreaming-of-a-return-to-europe-37jlt3fd6 |access-date=3 September 2021 |work=The Times}}</ref><ref name="Marcelo Bielsa wasn’t expected to last at Leeds United – but he’s leading the club back to glory">{{cite news |last1=Liew |first1=Jonathan |title=Marcelo Bielsa wasn't expected to last at Leeds United – but he's leading the club back to glory |url=https://www.newstatesman.com/politics/sport/2020/07/marcelo-bielsa-wasn-t-expected-last-leeds-united-he-s-leading-club-back-glory |access-date=3 September 2021 |publisher=New Statesman}}</ref><ref name="Burnout? What burnout? Leeds United’s strong end to the season could redefine Marcelo Bielsa’s reputation">{{cite news |last1=Bennett |first1=Tom |title=Burnout? What burnout? Leeds United's strong end to the season could redefine Marcelo Bielsa's reputation |url=https://inews.co.uk/sport/football/marcelo-bielsa-burnout-leeds-united-premier-league-season-1003316 |access-date=3 September 2021 |publisher=Associated Newspapers Limited}}</ref> taking charge of 170 games before departing in February 2022. He is considered a [[Cult status|cult figure]] among Leeds fans.

In 2023, he became manager of [[Uruguay national football team|Uruguay]], becoming only the second non-Uruguayan manager to coach the team. He led Uruguay to two record-breaking wins against [[Brazil national football team|Brazil]] and Argentina.

==Managerial career==
In 1980, after retiring from playing in football, Bielsa decided to start a career as a football manager. His first job was coaching the youth divisions of [[Newell's Old Boys|Newell's]]. In 1990, he was given the task of managing their first team, where he would go on to win the [[1990–91 Argentine Primera División#Apertura Tournament|1990 Torneo Apertura]] and the 1990–91 Torneo Integración, defeating [[Boca Juniors]] on penalties. Bielsa managed the squad that competed in [[1992 Copa Libertadores Final|the final]] of the [[1992 Copa Libertadores]], losing to [[São Paulo Futebol Clube|São Paulo]] on penalties. Weeks after the Libertadores defeat, Bielsa and [[Newell's Old Boys|Newell's]] won the [[1991–92 Argentine Primera División#Torneo Clausura|1992 Torneo Clausura]].<ref name="nobfifa">{{cite web |date=26 July 2012 |title=Newell's Old Boys |url=https://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/clubs/club=204/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090614120207/https://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/clubs/club=204/index.html |archive-date=14 June 2009 |access-date=26 July 2012 |url-status=dead |publisher=[[FIFA]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=11 November 2014 |title=Esquadrão Imortal – Newell's Old Boys 1987–1992 |trans-title=Immortal Squad – Newell's Old Boys 1987–1992 |url=https://www.imortaisdofutebol.com/2014/11/11/esquadrao-imortal-newells-old-boys-1987-1992/ |access-date=31 May 2018 |publisher=Imortais do Futebol |language=pt}}</ref> After a period in Mexico, he returned to Argentina and won another league title – the [[1997–98 Argentine Primera División#Torneo Clausura|1998 Clausura]] – while coaching [[Club Atlético Vélez Sarsfield|Vélez Sarsfield]].<ref name=velez/>

===Argentina national team===

In 1998, Bielsa was given the job of manager at Spanish [[La Liga]] side [[RCD Espanyol|Espanyol]], but he soon left after being offered the management of the [[Argentina national football team|Argentina national team]] later that year, taking over after a four-year period by [[Daniel Passarella]] as manager. At the [[1999 Copa América]], Argentina were beaten 3–0 by [[Colombia national football team|Colombia]] in a game where Argentina forward [[Martin Palermo]] missed three penalties and Bielsa was sent off. On Bielsa's post match reaction, [[Tim Vickery]] of the BBC wrote:<blockquote>In the press conference he sat staring into space, refusing to make eye contact with anyone – his usual stance. He was asked what he had made of the referee's performance. If the question was predictable, the answer was anything but. "One doesn't usually have the habit of commenting on referees, but…" he said, leaving everyone to believe he would continue with a rant about a joker running amok with a whistle. Instead he proceeded with, "but in respect of my expulsion, the referee was absolutely correct because I protested in an ill mannered form."<ref name="Vickery" /></blockquote>

Argentina won the qualification group for the [[2002 FIFA World Cup]], but did not progress through the first knockout round at the tournament.<ref>{{Cite news |date=12 June 2002 |title=Bielsa tactics to blame for our early exit |work=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?xml=/sport/2002/06/12/sfwarg13.xml}}{{dead link|date=July 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> Despite this, Bielsa stayed on his position as Argentine manager. The ''Albicelestes'' were runners-up in the [[2004 Copa América]]<ref name="cam04">{{cite web |date=25 July 2004 |title=Brasil vence nos pênaltis e ganha a Copa America |trans-title=Brazil win on penalties and claim the Copa América |url=http://copaamericaperu.terra.com.br/interna/0,,OI350202-EI3604,00-Brasil+vence+nos+penaltis+e+ganha+a+Copa+America.html |access-date=15 June 2018 |publisher=[[Terra (company)|Terra]] |language=pt}}</ref> and won the [[2004 Olympic Games]]' gold medal.<ref>{{cite web |date=28 August 2004 |title=ESPN – Argentina captures first Olympic gold – Olympics |url=https://www.espn.com/olympics/summer04/soccer/news/story?id=1869752 |access-date=27 July 2012 |publisher=[[ESPN]]}}</ref> With the latter, his team became the first [[Latin American|Latin American team]] to win the [[Summer Olympic Games|Olympic title]] in football since 1928 (when Uruguay beat Argentina in the final), the first Argentinian Olympic gold medal in 52 years.<ref name="oly04">{{cite web |date=28 August 2004 |title=Argentina win first gold in 52 years |url=http://www.rediff.com/sports/2004/aug/28oly-foot1.htm |access-date=27 July 2012 |work=Rediff.com}}</ref> Bielsa, however, resigned at the end of 2004, being succeeded by [[José Pékerman]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=15 September 2004 |title='Tired' Bielsa quits Argentina job |work=CNN |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2004/SPORT/football/09/15/argentina.bielsa/index.html}}</ref>

===Chile national team===
[[File:Marcelo Bielsa 2009-03-03.jpg|thumb|Bielsa at a press conference in 2009, Santiago, Chile|left]]
Under Bielsa's guidance, the [[Chile national football team|Chile national team]] underwent many positive and negative historic firsts. For the first time in its history, Chile was able to earn a point playing [[Uruguay national football team|Uruguay]] away in [[Montevideo]]. Chile also suffered their worst defeat ever when playing at home during qualifiers losing 3–0 against [[Paraguay national football team|Paraguay]]. This historic low was repeated with a Chile loss of 3–0 against [[Brazil national football team|Brazil]], which also marked the first home loss against Brazil in a qualification game in nearly 50 years. On 15 October 2008, however, Bielsa masterminded a 1–0 win over his native Argentina, Chile's first win ever over Argentina in an official match; Argentina's loss prompted the resignation of its coach [[Alfio Basile]].<ref>{{cite news |date=17 October 2008 |title=BBC Football |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/7675491.stm |access-date=27 July 2012 |work=BBC News}}</ref>

Chile soundly beat [[Peru national football team|Peru]] 3–1 in [[Lima]], a location where they last won in 1985. Bielsa then led Chile to a 2–0 win at the [[Estadio Defensores del Chaco|Defensores del Chaco Stadium]] against hosts Paraguay, obtaining an away triumph on this location for the first time in almost 30 years. The team continued the road to the [[2010 FIFA World Cup|2010 World Cup]] with a victory over [[Bolivia national football team|Bolivia]], 4–0. After a 2–2 tie against [[Venezuela national football team|Venezuela]] in [[Santiago]], and travelling to Brazil to lose 2–4, Chile finally achieved qualification to the World Cup after defeating [[Colombia national football team|Colombia]] 4–2, a result that was also Chile's first ever away win against the Colombians.

By helping Chile qualify for a World Cup after two tournament absences, Bielsa attained great popularity there. His appointment brought about visible changes in the Chilean set-up, with the fast-tracking of young talents and a more attacking mindset away from home.<ref>{{cite web |date=21 February 2008 |title=Chile still waiting for a revolution |url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=696112.html#chile+still+waiting+revolution |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080226113505/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/newsid=696112.html#chile+still+waiting+revolution |url-status=dead |archive-date=26 February 2008 |website=FIFA.com}}</ref> Due to the rumors that Bielsa would not continue to lead Chile after finishing their campaign at the World Cup, Chilean fans campaigned for him to remain as coach, with the movement titled "Bielsa is NOT leaving!"<ref>[http://www.bielsanoseva.cl/ ¡Bielsa NO se va!] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100520061356/http://www.bielsanoseva.cl/ |date=20 May 2010 }}</ref> Chile reached the round of 16 of the World Cup, where they were eliminated by Brazil.<ref>{{Cite news |date=29 June 2010 |title=World Cup 2010: Kaká lifts Brazil out of the ordinary and past Chile |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/jun/28/brazil-chile-world-cup-2010-match-report}}</ref> On 2 August 2010, [[Harold Mayne-Nicholls]], [[Chilean Football Federation|President of the Chilean Football Board]], announced that Bielsa would remain with the Chile team until 2015.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.terra.cl/deportes/index.cfm?accion=futbolnacional&id_reg=1470915|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100805045818/http://www.terra.cl/deportes/index.cfm?accion=futbolnacional&id_reg=1470915|url-status=dead|title=Bielsa ratificado: "Su objetivo es preparar la próxima generación"|archivedate=5 August 2010|accessdate=14 February 2021}}</ref> Bielsa, however, stated that he would leave his position if Jorge Segovia was elected as the new President of the Chilean Football Board.<ref name="soundsandcolours.com">{{cite web |last=Slater |first=Russ |date=30 November 2010 |title=Chilean Football Loses Their Star Man as Argentine Coach Marcelo Bielso Steps Down as National Coach |url=http://www.soundsandcolours.com/news/chilean-football-loses-their-star-man-as-argentine-coach-marcelo-bielsa-steps-down-as-national-manager/ |access-date=27 July 2012 |publisher=Sounds and Colours}}</ref> He followed through on this threat, despite Segovia's election being annulled, and resigned in February 2011.<ref>{{Cite news |date=4 February 2011 |title=Bielsa resigns as Chile coach |agency=Associated Press |url=http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/latinamerica/story/marcelo-bielsa-resigns-as-chile-coach |access-date=4 February 2011}}</ref>

According to [[Hermógenes Pérez de Arce Ibieta|Hermógenes Pérez de Arce]], President of Chile [[Sebastián Piñera]] had a personal long-term interest in removing Mayne-Nicholls from the Presidency of the Chilean Football Board and pushed for him to be replaced.<ref name=PerezEmol>{{Cite news|title=Hermógenes Pérez de Arce: Piñera interfirió en levantar oposición a Mayne-Nicholls|url=https://www.emol.com/noticias/deportes/2010/11/05/445631/hermogenes-perez-de-arce-pinera-interfirio-en-levantar-oposicion-a-mayne-nicholls.html|date=November 5, 2010|access-date=March 20, 2021|work=[[El Mercurio|Emol]]}}</ref> Bielsa subsequently made headlines for his brief and cold greeting to Piñera in the farewell before the [[2010 FIFA World Cup]].<ref>{{Cite news|title=Chile: Bielsa and Piñera, When Football Meets Politics|url=https://globalvoices.org/2010/07/02/chile-bielsa-and-pinera-when-football-meets-politics/|last=Viñas|first=Silvia|date=July 2, 2010|access-date=June 1, 2021|work=Global Voices}}</ref><ref name=Disculpas/> Both Bielsa and Mayne-Nicholls had good relations with former president [[Michelle Bachelet]], Piñera's political rival.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Chileans Worry for Future After Marcelo Bielsa Exit|url=https://insidefutbol.com/2010/11/10/chileans-worry-for-future-after-marcelo-bielsa-exit/32625/|date=November 10, 2010|access-date=June 1, 2021|work=Inside Futbol}}</ref>

===Athletic Bilbao===
[[File:Marcelo Bielsa.jpg|thumb|Bielsa as [[Athletic Bilbao]] manager in 2012]]
On 8 July 2011, [[Josu Urrutia]] announced [[Athletic Bilbao]] would appoint Bielsa as manager after Urrutia promised the appointment of Bielsa in his campaign to become president of the club.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eluniverso.com/2011/07/08/1/1372/marcelo-bielsa-dirigira-athletic-bilbao.html/|title=Marcelo Bielsa dirigirá el Athletic de Bilbao|publisher=El Universo|date=8 July 2011|accessdate=12 February 2022|language=es}}</ref> On 18 August 2011, Bielsa took charge of his first game at [[San Mamés Stadium (1913)|San Mamés]], drawing 0–0 against Turkish side [[Trabzonspor]] in the [[UEFA Europa League]] play-offs.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.11v11.com/matches/athletic-bilbao-v-trabzonspor-18-august-2011-301045/|title=Athletic Bilbao v Trabzonspor, 18 August 2011|newspaper=11V11.Com |publisher=11v11|accessdate=12 February 2011}}</ref>

On 3 October 2011, Bielsa, a devout [[Roman Catholic]], visited the [[Poor Clares]] of [[Guernica]], Spain, alongside his wife. He wanted them to pray for his team, which they continued to do.<ref>{{cite web |title=Athletic de Bilbao embelesa con Bielsa y la oración de 15 religiosas de clausura |url=http://www.aciprensa.com/noticia.php?n=36553 |access-date=27 July 2012 |publisher=Aciprensa.com}}</ref> The players began to adjust to the changes as the season progressed, and following an away victory at local rivals [[Real Sociedad]]. Athletic Bilbao produced a good run of autumn form which included wins over [[Paris Saint-Germain F.C.|Paris Saint-Germain]], [[CA Osasuna|Osasuna]] and [[Sevilla FC|Sevilla]], as well as credible draws with [[Valencia CF|Valencia]] and [[FC Barcelona|Barcelona]], then only to drop points at home to newly promoted [[Granada CF|Granada]].<ref>{{cite web |last=thesubstitution |date=29 March 2012 |title=Challenging Barcelona: the matches that exposed Guardiola & Co |url=http://thesubstitution.tumblr.com/post/20104081052/challenging-barcelona-the-matches-that-exposed |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120722050202/http://thesubstitution.tumblr.com/post/20104081052/challenging-barcelona-the-matches-that-exposed |archive-date=22 July 2012 |access-date=27 July 2012 |publisher=Thesubstitution.tumblr.com}}</ref> The team also finished top of their [[2011–12 UEFA Europa League|UEFA Europa League]] [[2011–12 UEFA Europa League group stage#Group F|group]] and defeated [[FC Lokomotiv Moscow|Lokomotiv Moscow]] in the [[2011–12 UEFA Europa League knockout phase#Round of 32|last 32]].

Athletic then drew [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]] and in impressive style won 3–2 in the [[2011–12 UEFA Europa League knockout phase#First leg 2|first leg]] at [[Old Trafford]], going on to knock them out of the tournament with a 2–1 victory at home. In the [[2011–12 UEFA Europa League knockout phase#Quarter-finals|quarter-final]], they went to [[FC Schalke 04|Schalke 04]] and won the [[2011–12 UEFA Europa League knockout phase#First leg 3|first leg]] 4–2, despite being 2–1 down after a [[Raúl (footballer)|Raúl]] brace on 72 minutes. Athletic drew the [[2011–12 UEFA Europa League knockout phase#Second leg 3|second leg]] against Schalke 2–2, going through to the semi-finals with a favourable aggregate score of 6–4 to face [[Sporting Clube de Portugal]].<ref>{{cite web |date=6 April 2012 |title=Athletic Bilbao set up Sporting showdown |url=http://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/p6_1_14293_athletic-bilbao-set-up-sporting-showdown.html |access-date=27 July 2012 |publisher=Adifferentleague.co.uk |archive-date=2 April 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402122411/http://www.adifferentleague.co.uk/p6_1_14293_athletic-bilbao-set-up-sporting-showdown.html |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=6 April 2012 |title=Spanish teams dominate Europa League semi-finals spots |work=BBC Sport |agency=Press Association |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17632410 |access-date=6 April 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=5 April 2012 |title=Athletic Bilbao 2 – 2 Schalke 04 |url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report/_/id/340187 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120408090439/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report/_/id/340187 |url-status=dead |archive-date=8 April 2012 |access-date=27 July 2012 |publisher=[[ESPN]]}}</ref>

After Athletic lost the first leg of the semi-final 2–1 in [[Lisbon]], they overturned this result in the return leg and ran out 4–3 winners on aggregate when [[Fernando Llorente]] scored the winner in the 88th minute. This set up a match with [[Atlético Madrid]] in an all-[[2012 UEFA Europa League Final|Spanish Europa League final]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.dnaindia.com/sports/report-athletic-bilbao-qualify-for-europa-league-final-1681472|title=Athletic Bilbao qualify for Europa League final|date=27 April 2012|website=DNA India|accessdate=14 February 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=27 April 2012 |title=Athletic Bilbao, Atletico Madrid set up Europa League final |url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/athletic-bilbao-atletico-madrid-set-up-europa-league-final/story-e6frg7mf-1226340674185}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Bilbao and Atletico to meet in the final |work=ESPN |url=http://www.espn.co.uk/football/sport/story/148108.html}}</ref> Athletic, however, would lose 3–0 in the final, played on 9 May at the [[Arena Națională]], [[Bucharest]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=9 May 2012 |title=A brilliant double from Radamel Falcao and a bustling performance from the rest of Atletico Madrid undid Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League final. |work=BBC Sport |agency=Press Association |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17995827 |access-date=9 May 2012}}</ref><ref name="uel12">{{cite web |date=9 May 2012 |title=Atletico Madrid 3–0 Athletic Bilbao: Falcao strikes twice and Diego adds clincher as Simeone's men are crowned Europa League champions |url=http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/79438/atl%C3%A9tico-de-madrid-vs-athletic-de-bilbao/report |access-date=27 July 2012 |publisher=Goal.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=9 May 2012 |title=Atlético Madrid v Athletic Bilbao – as it happened |work=The Guardian |agency=Press Association |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2012/may/09/atletico-madrid-athletic-bilbao-live-score |access-date=9 May 2012}}</ref> On 25 May 2012, Athletic also lost the [[Copa del Rey]] [[2012 Copa del Rey Final|Final]] against Barcelona at the [[Vicente Calderón Stadium]], falling 3–0.<ref name="cdr12">{{cite web |date=25 May 2012 |title=Athletic Bilbao 0–3 Barcelona: Pedro double and Messi clinch Copa del Rey and offer Guardiola fitting finale |url=http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/76271/athletic-de-bilbao-vs-barcelona/report |access-date=27 July 2012 |publisher=Goal.com}}</ref>

The [[2012–13 Athletic Bilbao season|2012–13 season]] was a major disappointment for Athletic: the sale of key midfielder [[Javi Martínez]] to [[FC Bayern Munich|Bayern Munich]], and striker Fernando Llorente being frozen out of the club over contract disagreements, led to the Lions' performances faltering. After finishing only in 12th place in [[La Liga]], on 7 June 2013 Athletic's president revealed that Bielsa would not be offered a new contract. When it expired on 30 June 2013, he left the club.

===Marseille===
[[File:Marcelo Bielsa OM 2015.jpg|thumb|Bielsa with [[Olympique de Marseille|Marseille]] in 2015]]
On 2 May 2014, [[Olympique de Marseille|Marseille]] president Vincent Labrune announced the hiring of Bielsa as his team's coach on [[RMC (France)|RMC]], a French radio station.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://rmcsport.bfmtv.com/football/ligue-1/exclu-labrune-officialise-l-arrivee-de-bielsa-a-l-om-sur-rmc_AN-201405020255.html |title=EXCLU : Labrune officialise l'arrivée de Bielsa à l'OM sur RMC|date=2 May 2014|language=French|website=[[RMC Sport]]}}</ref> Labrune had previously confirmed an agreement in principle had been reached after the club's 0–0 [[2013–14 Ligue 1|Ligue 1]] draw with [[Lille OSC|Lille]] on 20 April. Bielsa signed a two-year contract set to begin after the [[2014 FIFA World Cup|2014 World Cup]], thus becoming the club's first Argentine coach.<ref>{{cite web |title=Ligue 1: Marcelo Bielsa appointed as new Marseille head coach |url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11810/9328299/ligue-1-marcelo-bielsa-appointed-as-new-marseille-head-coach |website=Sky Sports}}</ref> He led them to the symbolic title of "autumn champions" after they beat [[Lille OSC|Lille]] on Matchday 19 (on 21 December 2014) of the [[2014–15 Ligue 1]] season before they faded to finish fourth in Ligue 1 at the end of the season.<ref>{{cite web |date=6 August 2017 |title=Bielsa V Ranieri: A battle for tactical mastery |url=http://www.ligue1.com/ligue1/article/bielsa-v-ranieri-a-battle-for-tactical-mastery.htm |publisher=www.ligue1.com}}</ref> On 8 August 2015, after Marseille lost their opening [[2015–16 Ligue 1]] match against [[Stade Malherbe Caen|Caen]], Bielsa announced his resignation due to conflicts with the club's management, stating that changes had been made to his contract.<ref>{{cite web |title=Marcelo Bielsa démissionne de l'OM |url=https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/Marcelo-bielsa-demissionne-de-l-om/580397 |access-date=8 August 2015 |publisher=L'equipe |language=fr}}</ref>

===Lazio===
On 5 July 2016, Bielsa was appointed manager of Italian club [[S.S. Lazio|Lazio]] of [[Serie A]].<ref>{{cite web |date=6 July 2016 |title=OFFICIAL: Lazio appoint Bielsa |url=http://www.football-italia.net/86910/official-lazio-appoint-bielsa |access-date=6 July 2016 |publisher=Football Italia}}</ref> However, just two days later, on 8 July, Bielsa quit as the club's manager,<ref>{{cite web |date=8 July 2016 |title=Lazio: Marcelo Bielsa quits as coach of Serie A side after two days |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36743557 |access-date=8 July 2016 |website=bbc.co.uk |publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref> prompting Lazio to issue legal action against Bielsa for [[breach of contract]], suing him for €50&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite web |date=8 July 2016 |title=Lazio: Inzaghi in, Bielsa sued! |url=http://www.football-italia.net/87058/lazio-inzaghi-bielsa-sued? |access-date=8 July 2016 |publisher=Football Italia}}</ref> Bielsa later explained that the club had been unable to recruit the players he had wanted by the deadline he had given to the club and did not feel that his needs would be supported during the transfer window.<ref>{{cite web |date=9 July 2016 |title=Marcelo Bielsa explains why he quit Lazio after just TWO days in charge |url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/marcelo-bielsa-explains-quit-lazio-8386033 |website=The Mirror}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Bielsa reveals why he quit Lazio job after two days |url=https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2892/transfer-zone/2016/07/09/25460892/bielsa-reveals-why-he-quit-lazio-job-after-two-days |access-date=12 April 2019 |website=goal.com}}</ref>

===Lille===
On 24 May 2017, Bielsa was unveiled as the new manager of Ligue 1 club [[Lille OSC|Lille]] on a two-year contract.<ref>{{Cite news |date=24 May 2017 |title=Ligue 1: Bielsa promises attacking football at Lille – Goal.com |language=en-KE |work=Goal.com |url=http://www.goal.com/en-ke/news/18162/ligue-1/2017/05/24/35785292/bielsa-promises-attacking-football-in-lille-unveiling |access-date=10 June 2017}}</ref> Upon joining, Bielsa wanted to bring a more youthful side to Lille's squad<ref>{{Cite news |date=30 November 2017 |title=Marcelo Bielsa's short-lived catastrophe at Lille is coming to an end |language=En |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/nov/30/marcelo-bielsas-short-lived-catastrophe-at-lille-is-coming-to-an-end |access-date=5 June 2018}}</ref> and before the season started he informed 11 experienced players, including [[Vincent Enyeama]], [[Marko Baša]], [[Rio Mavuba]] and [[Eder (Portuguese footballer)|Eder]], that they could leave the club.<ref>{{Cite news |date=9 February 2018 |title=Lille hiring Marcelo Bielsa as coach was a mistake – sporting advisor |work=ESPN |url=http://www.espn.co.uk/football/lille/story/3376836/lille-hiring-marcelo-bielsa-was-a-mistake-lille-sporting-director |access-date=6 June 2018}}</ref> Then-Lille player [[Éric Bauthéac]] revealed that Bielsa informed the players he wanted to leave in a conversation before pre-season had even began.<ref>{{Cite news |date=11 September 2017 |title=Marcelo Bielsa decided Lille players' future in 45 seconds – Eric Bautheac |work=ESPN |url=http://www.espn.co.uk/football/lille/story/3201163/marcelo-bielsa-decided-lille-players-future-in-45-seconds-eric-bautheac |access-date=6 June 2018}}</ref> Bielsa then signed younger 'promising' players such as [[Nicolas Pépé]], [[Thiago Mendes]], [[Thiago Maia]], [[Kévin Malcuit]], [[Fodé Ballo-Touré]], [[Luiz Araújo (footballer)|Luiz Araújo]] and [[Edgar Ié]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=8 July 2017 |title=Lille complete double signing of Mendes and Man Utd target Malcuit |work=Goal |url=https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/thiago-mendes-kevin-malcuit-lille-ligue-1-transfer-news-sao/1fwj2iyvdfjyb1apvtbqw02g38 |access-date=27 July 2019}}</ref>

On 22 November 2017, Bielsa was suspended as coach after just 13 games in charge, with Lille announcing he had been "suspended momentarily as coach" pending further announcement. After Bielsa's initial suspension, Lille appointed a four-man 'technical coaching unit' of Fernando Da Cruz, Joao Sacramento, Benoit Delaval and {{ill|Franck Mantaux|fr|Franck Mantaux}}.<ref>{{Cite news |date=22 November 2017 |title=Marcelo Bielsa: Lille suspend coach after latest defeat |language=en-KE |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/42090289 |access-date=6 June 2018}}</ref> On 15 December 2017, Lille announced Bielsa's contract had now been terminated.<ref>{{Cite news |date=15 December 2017 |title=Marcelo Bielsa sacked as Lille manager after suspension |language=en-KE |work=ESPN |url=http://www.espn.co.uk/football/lille/story/3312394/marcelo-bielsa-sacked-as-lille-manager-after-suspension |access-date=6 June 2018}}</ref> [[Christophe Galtier]] was named as Bielsa's replacement as manager on 29 December 2017.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2 April 2018 |title=LOSC: Christophe Galtier does statistically worse than Marcelo Bielsa |language=en-KE |work=RMC Sport |url=https://translate.google.co.uk/translate?hl=en&sl=fr&u=https://rmcsport.bfmtv.com/football/losc-christophe-galtier-fait-statistiquement-moins-bien-que-marcelo-bielsa-1410417.html&prev=search |access-date=6 June 2018}}</ref> Sporting adviser [[Luis Campos (football manager)|Luis Campos]] said after Bielsa left that he felt the decision to let some of the experienced players leave was the key to the departure.<ref>{{Cite news |date=9 February 2018 |title=Lille hiring Marcelo Bielsa as coach was a mistake – sporting advisor |language=en-KE |work=ESPN |url=http://www.espn.co.uk/football/lille/story/3376836/lille-hiring-marcelo-bielsa-was-a-mistake-lille-sporting-director |access-date=6 June 2018}}</ref>

===Leeds United===
====2018–19====
In June 2018, Bielsa became [[EFL Championship|Championship]] club [[Leeds United F.C.|Leeds United]]'s new head coach to replace [[Paul Heckingbottom]], signing a two-year contract with the option of a third year. He became the highest-paid manager in Leeds United history.<ref>{{Cite news |date=15 June 2018 |title=Marcelo Bielsa named head coach |work=Leeds United F.C. |url=https://www.leedsunited.com/news/team-news/23433/marcelo-bielsa-named-head-coach |access-date=15 June 2018}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=15 June 2018 |title=Leeds United confirm Marcelo Bielsa appointment |language=en-KE |work=Yorkshire Evening Post |url=https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/leeds-united-confirm-marcelo-bielsa-appointment-1-9208028 |access-date=15 June 2018}}</ref> Bielsa won his first three games, becoming the first Leeds manager to do so since [[Jimmy Armfield]] in 1974.<ref>{{Cite news |date=19 August 2018 |title=No stopping Leeds as Bielsa revolution rolls on |url=https://www.thetimes.com/sport/football/article/no-stopping-leeds-as-bielsa-revolution-rolls-on-pzwf2bzt2 |work=The Times|last1=Road |first1=Nick Townsend }}</ref> This extended to four games following victory over [[Rotherham United F.C.|Rotherham United]], making him the first Leeds United manager to record four consecutive wins at the start of their tenure.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Phil Hay's verdict: Leeds United 2 Rotherham United 0 – History made as Bielsa sees first 'real' Championship action |url=https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/phil-hay-s-verdict-leeds-united-2-rotherham-united-0-history-made-as-bielsa-sees-first-real-championship-action-1-9308760 |access-date=2018-08-19}}</ref> He went on to lead Leeds through the first six Championship rounds unbeaten and to top of the league, and was awarded Championship Manager of the Month for August 2018 by the [[English Football League|EFL]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Cross |first=Beren |date=7 September 2018 |title=Marcelo Bielsa is named Championship Manager of the Month |work=Leeds Live |url=https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/marcelo-bielsa-manager-month-leeds-15121093 |access-date=25 September 2018}}</ref>

Bielsa's unbeaten start was ended on 22 September with a 2–1 home defeat, inflicted by [[Birmingham City F.C.|Birmingham City]], despite the home side having most of the possession and chances.<ref name="yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk">{{Cite news |title=Leeds United head coach Marcelo Bielsa wins Championship Manager of the Month award |url=https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/leeds-united-head-coach-marcelo-bielsa-wins-championship-manager-of-the-month-award-1-9338061 |access-date=2018-09-07}}</ref> Bielsa's Leeds had to endure an extensive injury list with several of his squad picking up injuries within the first few months.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hay |first=Phil |date=7 December 2018 |title=Leeds United's injury list in full – and how many games they've missed this season |work=Yorkshire Evening Post|url=https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/leeds-united-s-injury-list-in-full-and-how-many-games-they-ve-missed-this-season-1-9479444 |access-date=6 December 2018}}</ref> However, with Leeds still in the Championship [[Promotion and relegation|automatic promotion]] positions at the start of December 2018,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hay |first=Phil |date=6 December 2018 |title=Marcelo Bielsa insists there is 'no need' for January signings despite growing injury list at Leeds United |work=Yorkshire Evening Post|url=https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/marcelo-bielsa-insists-there-is-no-need-for-january-signings-despite-growing-injury-list-at-leeds-united-1-9480662 |access-date=6 December 2018}}</ref> Bielsa was praised for his integration of [[Leeds United F.C. Reserves and Youth Team|United academy]] players to cover the gaps<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hay |first=Phil |date=6 December 2018 |title=Phil Hay – Inside Elland Road column: Marcelo Bielsa's injury-crisis hands Leeds United's youngsters chance to shine |work=Yorkshire Evening Post|url=https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/phil-hay-inside-elland-road-column-marcelo-bielsa-s-injury-crisis-hands-leeds-united-s-youngsters-chance-to-shine-1-9478744 |access-date=5 December 2018}}</ref> and over the course of 2018–19 he gave 10 players under 21 their senior debuts.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Barney Ronay |date=18 May 2019 |title=Marcelo Bielsa's play-off agony with Leeds was a lesson in beautiful failure |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2019/may/18/marcelo-bielsa-play-off-leeds-championship |access-date=20 May 2019}}</ref> On 23 December, after a dramatic late 2–3 win against [[Aston Villa F.C.|Aston Villa]],<ref>{{Cite news |title=Aston Villa 2 Leeds United 3 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/46582452 |access-date=23 December 2018 |publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref> half-way through the season, Bielsa's Leeds side sat top of the Championship, despite continued injuries.<ref>{{Cite news |date=23 December 2018 |title=Marcelo Bielsa and Leeds United marching on in the Championship |work=Sky Sports |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11715/11585797/marcelo-bielsa-and-leeds-united-marching-on-in-the-championship |access-date=24 December 2018}}</ref> Bielsa was nominated for the [[EFL Championship Manager of the Month|Championship Manager of the Month]] award for December 2018,<ref>{{cite web |title=Championship Player of the Month: December nominations |url=https://www.efl.com/news/2019/january/championship-player-of-the-month-december-nominations/ |access-date=11 January 2019 |publisher=EFL}}</ref> but lost to [[Hull City]]'s [[Nigel Adkins]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Hull City pair Jarrod Bowen and Nigel Adkins win Sky Bet Championship December awards |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11688/11603821/hull-city-pair-jarrod-bowen-and-nigel-adkins-win-sky-bet-championship-december-awards |access-date=11 January 2019 |publisher=Sky Sports}}</ref>

Before a 2–0 victory over [[Derby County F.C.|Derby County]] on 11 January 2019, which increased Leeds' lead at the top of the table,<ref>{{cite web |title=Leeds United 2 Derby County 0 |date=11 January 2019 |url=https://www.leedsunited.com/news/team-news/24384/match-centre-leeds-united-v-derby-county |access-date=11 January 2019 |publisher=Leeds United}}</ref> in the match build-up Bielsa admitted he had sent a spy to the Derby training ground,<ref>{{Cite news |date=11 January 2019 |title=Leeds United shake off spying row to beat Derby County and pull away at top |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2019/jan/11/leeds-derby-championship-match-report |access-date=11 January 2019}}</ref> after reports emerged that a man was spotted the previous day outside their training ground.<ref>{{Cite news |date=11 January 2019 |title=Derby training ground 'spy': Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa takes responsibility |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/46840353 |access-date=11 January 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=11 January 2019 |title=Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa admits sending spy to Derby training |work=Sky Sports |url=https://news.sky.com/story/leeds-united-accused-of-spying-on-rivals-derby-county-during-training-11604673 |access-date=11 January 2019}}</ref> Derby manager [[Frank Lampard]] was critical of Bielsa's method.<ref>{{Cite news |date=12 January 2019 |title=Derby boss Frank Lampard insists he would 'rather quit' than use Marco Bielsa's 'spying' tactics |work=ITV Sport |url=https://www.itv.com/news/2019-01-12/derby-boss-frank-lampard-insists-he-would-rather-quit-than-use-marco-bielsas-spying-tactics/ |access-date=12 January 2019}}</ref> On 12 January, Leeds United released a statement.<ref>{{Cite news |date=12 January 2019 |title=CLUB STATEMENT |work=Leeds United |url=https://www.leedsunited.com/news/team-news/24390/club-statement |access-date=12 January 2019}}</ref> [[Tottenham Hotspur]] manager [[Mauricio Pochettino]] described the incident as "not a big deal" and commonplace in Argentina.<ref>{{Cite news |date=12 January 2019 |title=Spurs Boss Believes 'Spygate' is 'not a big deal' |work=The Independent |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/leeds-united-vs-derby-county-spying-marcelo-bielsa-mauricio-pochettino-not-a-big-deal-a8723206.html |access-date=11 January 2019}}</ref> [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]] manager [[Pep Guardiola]], when asked about Bielsa due to his scouting methods, described him as "the best" and said "everyone who works with him is a better player and the teams are better. That's why he's a special manager and special person".<ref>{{Cite news |date=17 January 2019 |title=Spurs Boss Believes 'Spygate' is 'not a big deal' |work=Yorkshire Evening Post |url=https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/manchester-city-boss-pep-guardiola-admits-he-wants-to-see-leeds-united-and-marcelo-bielsa-in-the-premier-league-1-9535197 |access-date=14 January 2019}}</ref> On 15 January, the EFL announced they would be investigating.<ref>{{Cite news |date=15 January 2019 |title=Spurs Boss Believes 'Spygate' is 'not a big deal' |publisher=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/46878453 |access-date=17 January 2019}}</ref> With intense media scrutiny on what was coined 'Spygate', dividing opinion,<ref>{{Cite news |date=16 January 2019 |title=Marcelo Bielsa's Spygate: Other cases of sporting espionage |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/winter-sports/46899311 |access-date=17 January 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=16 January 2019 |title=With his 'spygate' PowerPoint, Marcelo Bielsa has enhanced his legend |work=The Independent |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-league/marcelo-bielsa-spygate-leeds-united-presentation-a8732916.html |access-date=17 January 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=16 January 2019 |title=Leeds United Spygate scandal: How the drama has unfolded for Marcelo Bielsa |work=Yorkshire Evening Post |url=https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/leeds-united-spygate-scandal-how-the-drama-has-unfolded-for-marcelo-bielsa-1-9541216 |access-date=17 January 2019}}</ref> on 16 January 2019, Bielsa announced a press briefing, where he gave an analysis of his research, detailing his meticulousness, thoroughness and preparation over his opponents,<ref>{{Cite news |date=16 January 2019 |title=Leeds United head coach Marcelo Bielsa admits spying on every Championship club during unprecedented rebuttal |work=Yorkshire Evening Post |url=https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/leeds-united-head-coach-marcelo-bielsa-admits-spying-on-every-championship-club-during-unprecedented-rebuttal-1-9541507 |access-date=17 January 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=16 January 2019 |title=The Marcelo Bielsa 'spygate' row is another tiresome chapter in football's culture war – and there was no winner |work=The Independent |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-league/marcelo-bielsa-spygate-leeds-united-presentation-a8732916.html |access-date=17 January 2019}}</ref> with some journalists describing it as a 'coaching masterclass' and 'genius'.<ref>{{Cite news |date=16 January 2019 |title=Leeds: Marcelo Bielsa says he watches all opponents train |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/46896639 |access-date=17 January 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=17 January 2019 |title=Leeds United are watching you – Phil Hay's take on astonishing insight into the world of Marcelo Bielsa |work=Yorkshire Evening Post|url=https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/leeds-united-are-watching-you-phil-hay-s-take-on-astonishing-insight-into-the-world-of-marcelo-bielsa-1-9541586 |access-date=17 January 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=17 January 2019 |title=Marcelo Bielsa press conference: 'Absolutely incredible...a tactical masterclass ' |work=Sky Sports |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11715/11609175/marcelo-bielsa-press-conference-absolutely-incredible-a-tactical-masterclass |access-date=17 January 2019}}</ref> Bielsa's 'Spygate' saga was resolved on the 18 February, when Leeds were fined £200,000 by the EFL for breach of a portion of Rule 3.4 of EFL Regulations ("In all matters and transactions relating to The League each Club shall behave towards each other Club and The League with the utmost good faith.),<ref name="The Independent">{{Cite news |date=18 February 2019 |title=Leeds fined £200,000 for 'spygate' affair as EFL make new law to prevent further incidents |work=The Independent |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-league/leeds-fine-spygate-law-marcelo-bielsa-derby-frank-lampard-efl-a8785536.html |access-date=9 March 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=18 February 2019 |title=EFL Regulations, Section 2 – Membership |work=EFL |url=https://www.efl.com/-more/governance/efl-rules--regulations/section-2---membership/ |access-date=29 April 2019}}</ref> with the EFL announcing a new rule, that teams could not watch opposition training up to 72 hours before a game.<ref name="The Independent"/> It was revealed by Bielsa, that he paid the £200,000 fine out of his own pocket.<ref>{{cite web |last=Phil Hay |date=3 May 2019 |title=Marcelo Bielsa reveals he personally paid Leeds United's hefty fine following Spygate |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/47904094 |access-date=8 May 2019 |website=Yorkshire Evening Post}}</ref>
With Leeds in second place with just four games to go, and thus in the [[Promotion and relegation|automatic promotion]] position ahead of rivals [[Sheffield United F.C.|Sheffield United]], on 19 April, Leeds lost in a shock 1–2 defeat against relegation-threatened [[Wigan Athletic F.C.|Wigan Athletic]], with Leeds playing 70 minutes against ten men after Wigan had [[Cédric Kipré]] sent off. The result proved costly, as Sheffield United overtook them on goal difference.<ref>{{cite web |date=19 April 2019 |title=Leeds 1 Wigan 2 |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/47904094 |access-date=15 May 2019 |website=BBC Sport}}</ref>

On 28 April 2019, Bielsa made one of the most contentious managerial calls of the Championship season in Leeds' penultimate league game against Aston Villa, at Elland Road.<ref>{{cite news |last=Lee Sobot |date=28 April 2019 |title=Leeds United 1 Aston Villa 1: Whites allow walked-in equaliser in dramatic home finale draw |url=https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/leeds-united-latest/leeds-united-1-aston-villa-1-whites-allow-walked-in-equaliser-in-dramatic-home-finale-draw-1-9736307 |access-date=28 April 2019 |website=Yorkshire Evening Post}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Louise Taylor |date=28 April 2019 |title=Leeds let Aston Villa equalise and hand title to Sheffield United |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2019/apr/28/leeds-aston-villa-championship-match-report |access-date=28 April 2019 |website=The Guardian}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=28 April 2019 |title=Leeds United 1–1 Aston Villa |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/48000922 |access-date=28 April 2019 |website=BBC}}</ref> In the 72nd minute of a tight game between teams jostling for position in the playoffs, albeit with Leeds still mathematically able to gain automatic promotion, Villa's [[Jonathan Kodjia]] was injured and remained on the ground, Tyler Roberts passed the ball up the line to [[Mateusz Klich]] who took it up the left wing and put the ball into the far corner past [[Jed Steer]]. The goal – the first of the game – sparked pandemonium, with Villa's [[Conor Hourihane]], [[Ahmed Elmohamady]], [[Neil Taylor (footballer)|Neil Taylor]] and Leeds' [[Patrick Bamford]] caught up in a fracas with Klich at its centre, which involved additional players from both sides and was eventually broken up by referee [[Stuart Attwell]], Elland Road stewards and other players. In the immediate aftermath, Attwell sent off the peripherally involved [[Anwar El Ghazi]] with a straight red card<ref>{{cite web |date=2 May 2019 |title=Patrick Bamford: Leeds striker banned for two games for deceiving referee |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48140118 |website=BBC Sport}}</ref> and Bielsa's response to his players was, in the interests of fairness and after consulting with Villa boss [[Dean Smith (footballer, born 1971)|Dean Smith]],<ref>{{cite web |date=28 April 2019 |title=Dean Smith: Aston Villa boss praises Marcelo Bielsa 'sportsmanship' |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/48086419 |access-date=28 April 2019 |website=BBC}}</ref> that his team should allow an unchallenged equaliser to be scored; Bielsa can be seen shouting "Give the goal! Give the goal!" from the touchline. From the restart, [[Albert Adomah]] essentially walked the ball into net unchallenged by 10 Leeds players, with only a frustrated and disbelieving [[Pontus Jansson]] giving chase and nearly dispossessing the forward. The game remained 1–1 and put the second automatic promotion spot mathematically out of reach for Leeds and saw them enter the play-offs. Bielsa and the team were awarded the 2019 [[FIFA Fair Play Award]] in September 2019, for their actions,<ref>{{cite web |last=Niall McVeigh |date=23 September 2019 |title=Leeds United and Marcelo Bielsa win Fifa fair play award for Aston Villa game |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2019/sep/23/leeds-united-marcelo-bielsa-win-fifa-fair-play-award-aston-villa-equaliser |access-date=24 September 2019 |website=The Guardian}}</ref> with the FIFA citation noting that "The game finished 1–1, ultimately allowing their promotion rivals Sheffield United to guarantee their automatic spot in the Premier League, at Leeds' expense. What was at stake makes Bielsa's act of sportmanship all the more remarkable".

At the end of 2018–19, with Leeds missing out on automatic promotion, Bielsa said he refused to blame the club for missing out on signing winger [[Daniel James (footballer)|Daniel James]], whose deal fell through dramatically on deadline day in the 2019 January transfer window, but said "I'm not underlying the importance of the absence of James".<ref>{{cite web |date=28 April 2019 |title=Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa's candid admission over botched move for Swansea City's Daniel James |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/leeds-united-boss-marcelo-bieslas-16192389 |website=Wales Online}}</ref> Leeds finished third and qualified for the playoffs, Leeds had key players out injured for their playoff campaign.<ref>{{Cite news |date=9 May 2019 |title=Leeds United handed double injury blow ahead of play-off clash with Derby County |publisher=Derbyshire Live |url=https://www.derbytelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/leeds-united-handed-double-injury-2849659}}</ref> In the semi-final playoffs versus sixth-placed [[Derby County F.C.|Derby County]], they were beaten on 3–4 aggregate over the two legs. Despite taking a 1–0 win at Pride Park into the home leg at Elland Road, Bielsa's Leeds lost 4–2 in an encounter that saw both teams reduced to 10 men and Derby progress to the final against Aston Villa.<ref>{{Cite news |date=15 May 2019 |title=Leeds United 2–4 Derby County (Derby win 4–3 on agg) |publisher=BBC Sport |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48196167}}</ref> With Bielsa denying the narrative of 'Bielsa Burnout'<ref>{{Cite news |date=2 March 2019 |title=Marcelo Bielsa's history of burnout: Is it a myth about the Leeds boss? |publisher=Sky Sports |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11715/11663470/marcelo-bielsa8217s-history-of-burnout-is-it-a-myth-about-the-leeds-boss}}</ref> (journalists' theory that his sides tire in the second half of a season),<ref>{{Cite news |date=27 February 2019 |title=Leeds United: Marcelo Bielsa hasn't changed but something has as promotion chase continues to splutter |work=The Independent |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-league/leeds-united-news-fc-fixtures-championship-qpr-result-score-marcelo-bielsa-a8799021.html}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2 March 2019 |title=Can Leeds avoid burning out under the brilliant intensity of Marcelo Bielsa? |work=The Independent |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-league/leeds-united-news-marcelo-bielsa-stoke-championship-a8478846.html}}</ref> Bielsa said one of the big reasons Leeds failed to gain promotion was their profligacy in front of goal, saying that statistically Leeds needed more chances to score compared to their league rivals.<ref>{{Cite news |date=29 March 2019 |title=Leeds United should be 10 points better off in the Championship, reveals Marcelo Bielsa |work=Yorkshire Evening Post |url=https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/leeds-united-latest/leeds-united-should-be-10-points-better-off-in-the-championship-reveals-marcelo-bielsa-1-9679149}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=15 May 2019 |title=Bielsa: We missed our chances |publisher=Sky Sports |url=https://www.skysports.com/watch/video/sports/football/11721044/bielsa-we-missed-our-chances}}</ref>

====2019–20: Promotion to the Premier League====

[[File:House on St James' Street, Wetherby decorated in honour of Leeds United's promotion to the Premier League (18th July 2020) 003.jpg|thumb|right|Banner in honour of Bielsa in [[Wetherby]], [[West Yorkshire]], following Leeds United's promotion to the Premier League]]

On 28 May 2019, Bielsa and Leeds jointly exercised the option on Bielsa's contract to continue as Leeds head coach for the following 2019–20 season.<ref>{{Cite news |date=28 May 2019 |title=Marcelo Bielsa to remain Leeds United boss for 2019–20 season |publisher=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48383582}}</ref> After Bielsa had signed his new contract, Leeds announced the signings of [[Hélder Costa]], [[Ben White (footballer)|Ben White]] (loan), [[Jack Harrison (footballer, born 1996)|Jack Harrison]] (loan), [[Jack Clarke (footballer, born 2000)|Jack Clarke]] (loan), [[Illan Meslier]] (loan) and [[Eddie Nketiah]] (loan) in their bid to get back to the [[Premier League]] in the [[2019–20 EFL Championship]] season. Defender [[Pontus Jansson]] was told by Bielsa to return to training later than the rest of the first team squad in order to give him time to find a new club, with him no longer in Bielsa's plans for the upcoming season. Jansson was subsequently sold to [[Brentford F.C.|Brentford]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Lee Sobot |date=8 July 2019 |title=Pontus Jansson picture puts Leeds United centre-back situation back under microscope |url=https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/leeds-united-latest/pontus-jansson-picture-puts-leeds-united-centre-back-situation-back-under-microscope-1-9864863 |access-date=8 July 2019 |website=YEP}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=7 July 2019 |title=No chance of reprieve as more details emerge of Pontus Jansson fall-out |url=https://www.teamtalk.com/news/no-chance-of-reprieve-as-more-details-emerge-of-pontus-jansson-fall-out |access-date=8 July 2019 |website=TalkSport}}</ref>

After beating Yorkshire rivals [[Barnsley F.C.|Barnsley]] on 15 September 2019, Bielsa's Leeds side remained top of the [[EFL Championship|Championship]] after seven games during the [[2019–20 EFL Championship]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=15 September 2019 |title=Marcelo Bielsa hails 'complete player' Eddie Nketiah as Leeds beat Barnsley to top Championship table |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/09/15/marcelo-bielsa-hails-complete-playereddie-nketiah-leeds-beat/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/09/15/marcelo-bielsa-hails-complete-playereddie-nketiah-leeds-beat/ |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |access-date=21 September 2019 |newspaper=The Telegraph|last1=Sport |first1=Telegraph }}{{cbignore}}</ref>  Leeds continued to impress throughout November and Bielsa won the EFL Championship Manager of the Month for November.<ref>{{cite web |title=MARCELO BIELSA & JACK HARRISON NOMINATED FOR AWARDS |date=12 December 2019 |url=https://www.leedsunited.com/news/team-news/25934/marcelo-bielsa-jack-harrison-nominated-for-awards |access-date=27 December 2019 |publisher=Leeds United}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=MARCELO BIELSA NAMED MANAGER OF THE MONTH |date=13 December 2019 |url=https://www.leedsunited.com/news/team-news/25940/month |access-date=27 December 2019 |publisher=Leeds United}}</ref>

Bielsa's side returned to top of the league on 29 December 2019 thus ending the decade at the top of the Championship after a 4–5 victory in a dramatic win against [[Birmingham City F.C.|Birmingham City]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=Birmingham City 4–5 Leeds United: Bielsa's men beat Blues |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50882301 |access-date=4 January 2020 |publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref> On 1 January 2020, Leeds drew with then-second-placed [[West Bromwich Albion F.C.|West Bromwich Albion]] in a 1–1 draw. The result kept Leeds on top of the table on goal difference.<ref>{{cite web |date=1 January 2020 |title=West Bromwich Albion 1–1 Leeds |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/50908498 |access-date=3 January 2020 |website=BBC}}</ref> However, after the game it was revealed that Arsenal had recalled Eddie Nketiah.<ref>{{Cite news |date=1 January 2020 |title=Eddie Nketiah recalled by Arsenal from Leeds loan spell |publisher=[[Sky Sports]] |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11670/11899404/eddie-nketiah-recalled-by-arsenal-from-leeds-loan-spell |access-date=1 January 2020}}</ref> Bielsa had also lost loanee Jack Clarke who had been recalled by [[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.|Tottenham Hotspur]],<ref>{{Cite news |date=27 December 2019 |title=Jack Clarke: Tottenham recall winger from Leeds loan spell |publisher=[[Sky Sports]] |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11715/11896241/jack-clarke-tottenham-recall-winger-from-leeds-loan-spell |access-date=4 January 2020}}</ref> with Bielsa stating that he would be looking to replace both players.<ref>{{Cite news |date=4 January 2020 |title=Arsenal v Leeds United - press conference recap: What Marcelo Bielsa and Gjanni Alioski had to say ahead of Gunners FA Cup trip |publisher=Yorkshire Evening Post |url=https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/latest-leeds-united-news/arsenal-v-leeds-united-press-conference-recap-what-marcelo-bielsa-and-gjanni-alioski-had-say-ahead-gunners-fa-cup-trip-1355301 |access-date=1 January 2020}}</ref> The club secured replacements for both players during the January transfer window, signing [[Jean-Kévin Augustin]] on loan from [[RB Leipzig]] and [[Ian Poveda]] on a four-and-a-half-year contract from [[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=2020-01-27 |title=Jean-Kevin Augustin: Leeds sign RB Leipzig striker on loan |language=en-gb |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51267339 |access-date=2020-01-27}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2020-01-24 |title=Ian Poveda: Leeds United sign Manchester City winger on four-and-a-half-year deal |language=en-gb |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51244686 |access-date=2020-01-27}}</ref>

After the English professional football season was paused in March 2020 due to the [[Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on association football|COVID-19 pandemic]], the season was resumed during June. Under Bielsa, Leeds United secured promotion to the Premier League on 17 July 2020 with two matches remaining of the 2019–20 season and also became the EFL Championship Champions for the 2019–20 season, finishing 10 points ahead of second placed [[West Bromwich Albion F.C.|West Bromwich Albion]].<ref>{{Cite news |date=17 July 2020 |title=Championship: Leeds United promoted to Premier League after 16-year absence |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53449068 |access-date=9 August 2020}}</ref>

On 18 July, after Bielsa had delivered promotion, a street in Leeds city centre was renamed 'Marcelo Bielsa Way'.<ref>{{Cite news |date=18 July 2020 |title=Street renamed Marcelo Bielsa Way after Leeds United's historic promotion |work=Yorkshire Evening Post |url=https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/street-renamed-marcelo-bielsa-way-after-leeds-uniteds-historic-promotion-2917573 |access-date=9 August 2020}}</ref> After the achievement of being crowned Champions of the Championship and guiding Leeds to the Premier League after a 16-year absence, on 27 July 2020, Bielsa was named the [[League Managers Association Awards#Divisional Award Winners|LMA Championship Manager of the Year]] 2020.<ref name="leaguemanagers.com">{{cite web |date=27 July 2020 |title=Jürgen Klopp wins the Sir Alex Ferguson Trophy for the LMA Manager of the Year |url=http://www.leaguemanagers.com/news/lma-latest/jurgen-klopp-wins-sir-alex-ferguson-trophy/ |access-date=27 July 2020}}</ref> On 31 July, Bielsa won the Championship Manager of the Month award for July.<ref name="EFL.com">{{Cite news |date=31 July 2020 |title=Sky Bet Championship Manager of the Month: July winner |work=EFL.com |url=https://www.efl.com/news/2020/july/sky-bet-championship-manager-of-the-month-july-winner/ |access-date=9 August 2020}}</ref> On 11 September 2020, Bielsa signed a new contract to stay at Leeds for the 2020–21 Premier League season.<ref>{{Cite news |date=11 September 2020 |title=MARCELO BIELSA SIGNS NEW CONTRACT |work=Leeds United |url=https://www.leedsunited.com/news/team-news/27022/marcelo-bielsa-signs-new-contract |access-date=14 September 2020}}</ref>

====2020–21====
On 12 September 2020 Bielsa's first game as head coach in the [[2020–21 Premier League|Premier League]] ended in a 4–3 defeat at [[Anfield]] against reigning champions [[Liverpool F.C.|Liverpool]].<ref>{{cite web |date=12 September 2020 |title=Leeds United made a dramatic return to the Premier League after a 16-year absence as they produced a magnificent display only to lose to a late penalty in a thriller against champions Liverpool at Anfield. |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/54038549 |access-date=14 September 2020 |website=BBC}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=12 September 2020 |title=Liverpool 4 Leeds 3 |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54134753 |access-date=14 September 2020}}</ref>
Conversely the first Premier League game at Elland Road for 16 years saw Leeds come out 4–3 victors against fellow promoted club [[Fulham F.C.|Fulham]].

These two games set the tone for a free scoring, free conceding first half to the season, earning Bielsa and his team many plaudits for their style of play and culminating in Bielsa placing 3rd in [[The Best FIFA Football Coach]] award on 17 December.<ref>{{cite web|title=THE BEST FIFA MEN'S COACH|url=https://www.fifa.com/the-best-fifa-football-awards/best-fifa-mens-coach/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161211144632/http://www.fifa.com/the-best-fifa-football-awards/best-fifa-mens-coach/|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 December 2016|access-date=18 December 2020|website=FIFA.com|publisher=FIFA}}</ref> As if for emphasis, the two week period following the awards witnessed a 5–2 home win against [[Newcastle United F.C.|Newcastle United]] on 16 December,<ref>{{cite news|title=Leeds 5-2 Newcastle: 'It was Sunday park football defending'|work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55241021|access-date=16 December 2020}}</ref> followed by a 6–2 defeat against Manchester United at Old Trafford;<ref>{{cite news|title=Manchester United 6-2 Leeds United: Hosts up to third...|work=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55291044|access-date=20 December 2020}}</ref> only for the year to end in a 5–0 away victory at West Brom nine days later.<ref>{{cite news|title=West Bromwich Albion 0-5 Leeds United: Sam Allardyce rues...|work=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55406821|access-date=29 December 2020}}</ref>

Despite the New Year starting poorly with a 3–0 away loss to Tottenham,<ref>{{cite news|title=Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 Leeds United: Harry Kane & Son Heung-min help Spurs return to winning ways|work=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55450391|access-date=2 January 2021}}</ref> and an ignominious 3–0 [[2020–21 FA Cup|FA Cup]] defeat to [[Crawley Town F.C.|Crawley Town]],<ref>{{cite news|title=Crawley Town 3-0 Leeds United: Marcelo Bielsa's side suffer huge FA Cup upset|work=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/55575508|access-date=10 January 2021}}</ref> Bielsa's Leeds ended the campaign strongly. They lost just one of their last 11 games while securing impressive results against the league's top sides. This included draws at home against Manchester United, [[Chelsea F.C.|Chelsea]] and defending champions Liverpool, as well as victories against Tottenham at home and champions-elect Manchester City at the [[City of Manchester Stadium|Etihad Stadium]] (despite playing most of the match with just ten men). Leeds United eventually finished ninth; securing more points and scoring more goals than any other promoted side for 20 years.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/57143846 |title=Premier League 2020-21: Who impressed and who fell short? |website=BBC Sport |date=24 May 2021 }}</ref>

==== 2021–22 ====
On 27 February 2022, Leeds and Bielsa parted ways after a streak of four consecutive losses across which Leeds conceded 17 goals, leaving them 16th in the table, two points above Burnley and one above Everton, both of whom had two games in hand on Leeds.<ref>{{cite web |date=27 February 2022 |title=Marcelo Bielsa: Argentine leaves Leeds United after Tottenham loss |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60529015 |access-date=27 February 2022 |website=BBC Sport}}</ref><ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZwHWsXONio Marcelo Bielsa's Final Interview as Leeds manager], BT Sport, 2022-02-27.</ref><ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/feb/27/marcelo-bielsa-transformed-leeds-with-decency-humility-and-hard-work Marcelo Bielsa transformed Leeds with decency, humility and hard work], The Guaridan, 2022-02-27.</ref>

===Uruguay national team===
On 15 May 2023, the [[Uruguay national football team|Uruguay national team]] announced Bielsa as their new manager,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65122188|title=Marcelo Bielsa: Ex-Leeds manager named Uruguay head coach|publisher=[[BBC Sport|BBC]]|date=15 May 2023}}</ref> becoming the second foreign trainer after another Argentinian coach, [[Daniel Passarella]], was appointed in the year 2000.{{efn|Even though [[Juan Hohberg]] was also Argentinian, he became a nationalized Uruguayan before becoming the national team coach.}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://extratimetalk.com/marcelo-bielsa-becomes-the-next-argentine-to-coach-uruguay/|title=Marcelo Bielsa becomes the next Argentine to coach Uruguay|publisher=Extra time talk|date=19 April 2023}}</ref> After the poor performance of Uruguay in [[2022 FIFA World Cup]], Bielsa decided to rejuvenate the team by calling 14 uncapped new players against the friendly matches of [[Nicaragua national football team|Nicaragua]] and [[Cuba national football team|Cuba]], leaving the veteran players who participated in the World Cup four times ([[2010 FIFA World Cup|2010]], [[2014 FIFA World Cup|2014]], [[2018 FIFA World Cup|2018]], and 2022) [[Edinson Cavani]], [[Fernando Muslera]], and [[Luis Suárez]] out of the squad.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://english.news.cn/20230603/7be3b75c2a104de1b1701e20cb922c65/c.html|title=Uruguay boss Bielsa names 14 newcomers for friendlies|publisher=Xinhua|date=3 June 2023}}</ref> On 14 June, Bielsa started his cycle as Uruguay's coach with a victory over Nicaragua by 4–1 in the [[Estadio Centenario]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://manutdnews.com/facundo-pellistri-shines-for-uruguay-in-convincing-4-1-win-over-nicaragua/|title=Facundo Pellistri shines for Uruguay in convincing 4-1 win over Nicaragua|publisher=ManUtdNews|date=15 June 2023}}</ref> six days later in the same venue, another victory arose against Cuba by 2–0.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/ex-leeds-united-boss-makes-it-two-wins-from-two-as-new-challenge-off-to-perfect-start-4191051|title=Ex-Leeds United boss makes it two wins from two as new challenge off to perfect start|publisher=[[Yorkshire Evening Post]]|date=21 June 2023}}</ref> Controversially, Bielsa decided to once again not to call the veterans in his next set of matches, the press was specially concerned by the absence of Cavani and Suárez, and also by his team conformation, with [[Sergio Rochet]] being the oldest one in the squad.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.arabnews.com/node/2367461/football|title=Bielsa leaves Cavani and Suarez out of Uruguay squad for World Cup qualifying matches|publisher=[[Arab News]]|date=5 September 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/articles/marcelo-bielsa-uruguay-suarez-cavani-world-cup-qualifiers|title=Icons out as Bielsa makes his mark with Uruguay|publisher=[[FIFA]]|date=5 September 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://bolavip.com/en/soccer/why-was-luis-suarez-not-called-up-by-uruguay-for-the-2026-world-cup-qualifiers-20230905-BUS-57838.html|title=Why was Luis Suarez not called up by Uruguay for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers?|publisher=Bolavip|date=5 September 2023}}</ref> On 8 September, Bielsa managed to get a home victory over [[Chile national football team|Chile]] in the [[2026 FIFA World Cup qualification (CONMEBOL)|2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers]] debut by 3–1.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20230909-bielsa-makes-instant-impact-as-uruguay-beat-chile|title=Two-goal Neymar breaks Pele's record as Brazil crush Bolivia 5–1|publisher=France24|date=9 September 2023|access-date=10 September 2023}}</ref> Four days later in [[Quito]], Uruguay lost against [[Ecuador national football team|Ecuador]] 2–1 despite leading the score at the end of the first half.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20230912-argentina-without-messi-cruise-to-win-in-bolivia|title=Argentina win without Messi, Bielsa's Uruguay fall in Ecuador|publisher=France24|date=13 September 2023}}</ref> [[Darwin Núñez]] was substituted at halftime, and Bielsa declared to the press that the reason behind was preventive since the player arrived to the squad with "muscular difficulties".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.thisisanfield.com/2023/09/darwin-nunez-subbed-off-with-muscular-difficulties-but-no-injury-confirmed/|title=Darwin Nunez subbed off with "muscular difficulties" – but no injury confirmed|publisher=This Is Anfield|date=13 September 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.sabcsport.com/soccer/news/marcelo-bielsa-replaced-liverpool-star-darwin-nunez-to-prevent-an-injury|title=Marcelo Bielsa replaced Liverpool star Darwin Nunez to prevent an injury|publisher=SABC Sport|date=13 September 2023}}</ref>

After drawing against [[Colombia national football team|Colombia]] 2–2 in [[Barranquilla]] with a late penalty equalizer by Núñez,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/late-nunez-penalty-rescues-draw-for-uruguay-against-colombia|title=Late Nunez penalty rescues draw for Uruguay against Colombia|publisher=[[The Straits Times]]|date=13 October 2023}}</ref> Uruguay obtained a historic victory on 17 October against [[Brazil national football team|Brazil]] by 2–0, with Núñez scoring with a header and [[Nicolás de la Cruz]] securing the triumph in the second half. The victory was important since it ended a 22-year streak of Brazilian dominance over Uruguay in all official competitions and friendly matches, accumulating a total of 12 bouts without wins after the match of 1 July 2001 for the [[2002 FIFA World Cup qualification (CONMEBOL)|2002 FIFA World Cup qualifiers]]. It was also Brazil's first loss in qualifiers since 2015 after being defeated by Chile, ending a 37-match streak unbeaten.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/oct/18/uruguay-beat-brazil-darwin-nunez-lionel-messi-argentina-win-world-cup-qualifying|title=Núñez on target as Uruguay beat Brazil before Messi leads Argentina to win|work=[[The Guardian]]|date=18 October 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.beinsports.com/en-us/soccer/world-cup/articles-video/uruguay-end-22-year-winless-streak-against-brazil-with-2-0-victory-2023-10-18|title=Uruguay End 22-Year Winless Streak Against Brazil with 2-0 Victory|publisher=[[beIN Sports]]|date=18 October 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nst.com.my/sports/football/2023/10/968405/nunez-strikes-uruguay-upset-brazil-2026-qualifiers|title=Nunez strikes as Uruguay upset Brazil in 2026 qualifiers|publisher=[[The Straits Times]]|date=18 October 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/brazils-neymar-suffers-knee-injury-in-uruguay-match|title=Brazil hope 'nothing serious' after Neymar injures knee in defeat by Uruguay in World Cup qualifier|publisher=[[The Straits Times]]|date=18 October 2023}}</ref> On 16 November and with a returning Suárez on the squad after an excellent season with [[Grêmio FBPA|Grêmio]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.beinsports.com/en-mena/football/fifa-world-cup/articles/suarez-returns-to-uruguay-squad-for-argentina-clash-2023-11-14|title=Suarez returns to Uruguay squad for Argentina clash|publisher=[[beIN Sports]]|date=14 November 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.batimes.com.ar/news/sports/uruguay-with-suarezs-return-demands-everything-from-leader-argentina.phtml|title=Uruguay, with Luiz Suárez back in the ranks, pose touch challenge for unbeaten Argentina|publisher=Buenos Aires Times|date=15 November 2023}}</ref> Bielsa's team got another historic triumph over world champion holders [[Argentina national football team|Argentina]] in [[La Bombonera]]. [[Ronald Araújo]] scored the first goal in the minute 41, after a crossing ball with the possession being stolen by [[Matías Viña]] against defender [[Nahuel Molina]] on the side of the home field, and the second goal was done by Núñez after a fast-paced counterattack that started when [[Rodrigo Bentancur]] managed to steal a ball from [[Lionel Messi]] close to Uruguay's goal area near the end of the match. The victory was lauded by the press and fans, just like the one against Brazil it ended a 10-year streak of Argentina supremacy, with the last defeat coming from the [[2014 FIFA World Cup qualification (CONMEBOL)|2014 qualifiers]] on 15 October 2013. It also ended the 25-match streak without defeats in qualifiers, the last one coming from [[Bolivia national football team|Bolivia]] in 2017, and it was the first defeat of Argentina as world champions, with the last match loss against [[Saudi Arabia national football team|Saudi Arabia]] at the [[2022 FIFA World Cup Group C#Argentina vs Saudi Arabia|group stage]]. The icing on the cake was the fact that this was the first-ever Uruguay victory over Argentina as home-away for qualifiers.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026/articles/conmebol-south-american-qualifying-round-five-review-world-cup-2026|title=Diaz and Nunez sparkle as Colombia and Uruguay slay giants|publisher=[[FIFA]]|date=16 November 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/67447746|title=Argentina 0-2 Uruguay: Darwin Nunez scores as world champions' winning run ends|publisher=[[BBC Sport|BBC]]|date=17 November 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/football/uruguay-stun-argentina-emotional-luis-diaz-double-as-colombia-sink-brazil|title=Uruguay stun Argentina; emotional Luis Diaz double as Colombia sink Brazil in World Cup qualifiers|publisher=[[The Straits Times]]|date=17 November 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/us/how-bielsas-uruguay-pushed-argentina-out-of-their-comfort-zone-to-secure-a-historic-win/articleshow/105299128.cms?from=mdr|title=How Bielsa's Uruguay pushed Argentina out of their comfort zone to secure a historic win|publisher=[[The Economic Times]]|date=17 November 2023}}</ref> Days later they secured another home victory of 3–0 against Bolivia, with Núñez scoring a brace to end 2023.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.beinsports.com/en-us/soccer/articles-video/darwin-n%C3%BA%C3%B1ez-s-brace-secures-another-victory-for-uruguay-2023-11-22|title=Darwin Núñez's Brace Secures Another Victory for Uruguay|publisher=[[beIN Sports]]|date=22 November 2023}}</ref>

==Coaching style==
Hailed as one of the most influential coaches of all time, introducing a third wave ideology in Argentine coaching, previously influenced by [[César Luis Menotti]] and [[Carlos Bilardo]].{{citation needed|date=March 2021}} In 2017, [[Pep Guardiola]] described Bielsa as the best coach in the world.<ref>{{cite web |last=Farrell |first=Dom |title=Bielsa Guardiola |url=http://www.goal.com/en-us/news/pep-guardiola-hails-marcelo-bielsa-as-best-in-the-world/1ird9awpucie41px3ixlkx81g8 |access-date=7 August 2018 |website=Goal}}</ref> He has been a strong influence on his former players, many of whom later became coaches, including [[Mauricio Pochettino]], [[Diego Simeone]] and [[Marcelo Gallardo]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bennett |first=John |title=Bielsa Influence |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/40879274 |access-date=7 August 2018 }}</ref>

Bielsa's signature formation in his squads is the [[Formation (association football)#3–3–3–1|3–3–3–1]] formation, which he became known for during his coaching tenures with the Argentina and Chile national teams and with Marseille.{{citation needed|date=March 2021}}

Although the 3–3–3–1 and its variations the 3–3–1–3 and the 3–4–3 "diamond" were occasionally used by other managers at [[UEFA Champions League]] and [[FIFA World Cup]] level before Bielsa – including by [[Johan Cruyff]] at [[FC Barcelona|Barcelona]],<ref>{{cite web | url=https://footballbh.net/2020/03/24/johan-cruyffs-3-4-3-diamond-tactics/ | title=Johan Cruyff's 3-4-3 Diamond | date=24 March 2020 }}</ref> by [[Louis van Gaal]] at [[AFC Ajax|Ajax]],<ref>{{cite web | url=https://content.invisioncic.com/Msigames/monthly_2020_05/bitmap2.png.042d8b2c98b1c9a8ee083b9036252800.png | title=AFC Ajax-AC Milan 1995 Champions League final formations and tactical movements | date=May 2022}}</ref> by [[Guus Hiddink]] at [[PSV Eindhoven]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.football-lineups.com/match/11362/ | title=PSV Eindhoven vs AC Milan Champions League 2005/2006 }}</ref> and [[Australia men's national soccer team|Australia]],<ref>[https://i0.wp.com/pds25.egloos.com/pds/201304/02/91/b0066491_515a9a299f4fc.jpg?zoom=2 Image] i0.wp.com {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220518224929/https://i0.wp.com/pds25.egloos.com/pds/201304/02/91/b0066491_515a9a299f4fc.jpg?zoom=2 |date=18 May 2022 }}</ref> by [[Vicente del Bosque]] at [[Real Madrid CF|Real Madrid]],<ref name="football-lineups2000">{{cite web | url=https://www.football-lineups.com/match/207952/ | title=Real Madrid vs Bayern Munich Champions League 2000/2001 }}</ref> by [[Ottmar Hitzfeld]] at [[FC Bayern Munich|Bayern Munich]],<ref name="football-lineups2000"/> by [[Frank Pagelsdorf]] at [[Hamburger SV]],<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.football-lineups.com/team/Hamburg_SV/Champions_League_2000-2001/Campaign/ | title=Hamburger SV in Champions League 2000/2001 campaign }}</ref> by [[Ivica Osim]] at [[SK Sturm Graz|Sturm Graz]],<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.kicker.de/sturm-graz-gegen-monaco-2000-champions-league-532948/aufstellung |
 title=Sturm Graz-Monaco 2-0 Champions League 2000-01 lineups }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.kicker.de/sturm-graz-gegen-rangers-2000-champions-league-532954/aufstellung |
 title=Sturm Graz-Rangers 2-0 Champions League 2000-01 lineups }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.kicker.de/galatasaray-gegen-sturm-graz-2000-champions-league-532951/aufstellung |
 title=Galatasaray-Sturm Graz 2-2 Champions League 2000-01 lineups }}</ref> and by [[Russia national football team|Russia]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.kicker.de/deutschland-gegen-russland-2005-nationalteams-freundschaftsspiele-672755/aufstellung | title=Aufstellung &#124; Deutschland - Russland 2:2 &#124; 4. Spieltag &#124; Nationalteams Freundschaftsspiele 2005 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.teamdeutschland.net/friendships/2000-09/2005/ | title=2005 }}</ref> – it was Bielsa who first made it his standard formation and popularized it worldwide during his tenures with [[Argentina national football team|Argentina]],<ref>{{cite web | url=https://media.squawka.com/images/en/2020/07/20165947/1153123_1153123_Bielsa-Argentina.png | title=Argentina formation vs England in 2002 World Cup | date=May 2022}}</ref> [[Chile national football team|Chile]],<ref>{{cite web | url=https://tonyscupdotcom.files.wordpress.com/2015/01/chilek.jpg | title=Chile formation and tactical movements in 2010 World Cup | date=May 2022}}</ref> at [[Olympique de Marseille]],<ref>{{cite web | url=https://miro.medium.com/max/834/1*vmuhxq8i1Sk_2eaLilswAA.png | title=Olympique Marseille 2014-15 formation and tactical movements | date=May 2022}}</ref> and occasionally at [[Athletic de Bilbao]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://miro.medium.com/max/834/1*_2zoz_lsNsrOt0M81yBmYA.png | title=Athletic Bilbao 2011-12 formation and tactical movements | date=May 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://v-maedhros.medium.com/the-bielsa-way-25f8b26e546f | title=The Bielsa Way | date=27 December 2016 }}</ref>

For [[Squad number (association football)#Argentina|this formation]], the players are: three [[Defender (association football)|defender]]s, three [[midfielder]]s (one central midfielder with two wide players / wing backs), three attacking midfielders (one No.10 and two wingers) and one centre-forward. The 3–3–3–1 allows quick transitions from defending to attacking, as many of the players used in the formation can perform both defensive and attacking tasks. Moreover, it establishes superiority in numbers in every part of the field, since with this formation his teams could defend with seven players, attack with six or seven players, or protect a scoreline by overwhelming the midfield with six players. To use 3–3–3–1, all players have to quickly set to attacking positions when the ball is in the team's possession, and all players have to aggressively press and recover the ball when it is not in possession, so it requires great teamwork and understanding between teammates.<ref>{{cite web |last=Cox, Michael |title=Why Liverpool and Jürgen Klopp can be a surprisingly exciting combination |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/oct/09/liverpool-jurgen-klopp-tactics-exciting-combination |website=The Guardian|date=9 October 2015 }}</ref>

{{blockquote|When he took the Argentina job, at the end of his first training session Bielsa handed the players a pencil and a little slip of paper. He wanted them to write down whether they wanted to line up with a back three or a four. He went through all the replies. "Back four, back four, back four... This clearly shows your preference for a line of four. But I'm telling you that from now on we're going to be playing with a back three. See you tomorrow." And he won them over, bringing them round to his way of thinking.|BBC South American football correspondent [[Tim Vickery]].<ref name="Vickery">{{Cite news |last=Vickery |first=Tim |date=15 June 2018 |title=Marcelo Bielsa: Leeds United's new boss a complete 'one off' |agency=BBC |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44498542 |access-date=7 August 2018}}</ref>}}

He adapted to an attacking [[4–3–3]] at Athletic Bilbao (as seen in the [[2012 UEFA Europa League Final]]), with full-backs pushing forward and a converted midfielder in the back line also involved in build-up play, with the pressing and coordination elements still in evidence.

In the [[2018–19 Leeds United F.C. season|2018–19 season]] at [[Leeds United F.C.|Leeds United]], Bielsa introduced a 4–1–4–1 formation,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hay |first=Phil |date=18 July 2018 |title=Phil Hay's verdict - Forest Green Rovers 1 Leeds United 2: Roofe and Ayling earn Bielsa a debut win |publisher=Yorkshire Evening Post |url=https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/leeds-united-latest/phil-hay-s-verdict-forest-green-rovers-1-leeds-united-2-roofe-and-ayling-earn-bielsa-a-debut-win-1-9256139 |access-date=19 September 2019}}</ref> with [[Kalvin Phillips]] converted from a [[Midfielder#Box-to-box midfielder|box-to-box]] or attacking midfielder into the deep-lying midfielder.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hay |first=Phil |date=17 August 2018 |title=Leeds United: Midfielder Phillips is lynchpin of the Bielsa revolution |publisher=Yorkshire Evening Post |url=https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/leeds-united-latest/leeds-united-midfielder-phillips-is-lynchpin-of-the-bielsa-revolution-1-9306238 |access-date=19 September 2019}}</ref> When facing a team who played with two central strikers, Bielsa would switch to the 3–3–3–1,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hay |first=Phil |date=6 April 2019 |title=Marcelo Bielsa admits Mateusz Klich mistake following Leeds United's defeat at Birmingham |publisher=Yorkshire Evening Post |url=https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/leeds-united-latest/marcelo-bielsa-admits-mateusz-klich-mistake-following-leeds-united-s-defeat-at-birmingham-1-9696411 |access-date=19 September 2019}}</ref> with Phillips dropping further back into the defensive line as a [[centre-back]] or "[[Sweeper (soccer)|sweeper]]",<ref>{{cite web |last=Mewis |first=Joe |date=6 December 2018 |title=The evolution of Kalvin Phillips under Marcelo Bielsa - in their own words |url=https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/kalvin-phillips-marcelo-bielsa-leeds-15508583 |access-date=19 September 2019 |website=Leeds-Live.co.uk}}</ref> or [[Luke Ayling]] shifting from [[Defender (association football)#full-back|right back]].

This signature style of Bielsa's has had so much influence in the football scene that many present coaches – former players under Bielsa's command – are heavily influenced by the style, such as [[Gerardo Martino]], [[Mauricio Pochettino]], [[Diego Simeone]], [[Matías Almeyda]], [[Eduardo Berizzo]], [[Mauricio Pellegrino]], [[Santiago Solari]], [[Andrea Pisanu]]<ref>{{Cite news |last=Farinotti |first=Luca |date=4 November 2020 |title=La filosofia di mister Pisanu, il colto maltese |work=Avvenire |url=https://www.lucafarinotti.com/avvenire-ottobre-2020-luca-farinotti-la-filosofia-di-mister-pisanu-il-colto-maltese/ |access-date=7 March 2023}}</ref> and [[Marcelo Gallardo]]. Current Manchester City manager [[Pep Guardiola]] credited Bielsa as his tactical inspiration and called him the "best manager in the world" in 2012.<ref>{{cite web |title=Guardiola: "Bielsa es el mejor entrenador del planeta" |url=http://www.canalathletic.com/noticias/2012-03-17/guardiola-bielsa-mejor-entrenador-20120317.html |website=canalathletic.com}}</ref> [[Jorge Sampaoli]], former manager of Argentina, [[Sevilla FC]] and Chile, has been described as a "disciple" of Bielsa.

Former Argentina national team captain [[Roberto Ayala]], a defender under Bielsa, stated: "Sometimes we wouldn't see any of the strikers, because he'd have them training at a different time, and it was the same with the midfielders".<ref name="Bielsa still">{{cite web |date=15 August 2007 |title=Bielsa, still mad about the game |url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/southafrica2010/news/newsid=571108/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130123015538/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/southafrica2010/news/newsid=571108/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=23 January 2013 |access-date=26 July 2012 |publisher=[[FIFA]]}}</ref>

Bielsa is known for watching and collecting numerous football videos to the point of obsession. He edits and analyses each video for each individual player. He also uses statistical software and other technological tools to prepare for games. John Carlin, an English journalist, has stated that Bielsa has "the most learned football library on the planet".<ref>{{cite web |title=La Prensa – Deportes – Un loco con método |url=http://archivo.laprensa.com.ni/archivo/2002/junio/09/deportes/deportes-20020609-11.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140411231656/http://archivo.laprensa.com.ni/archivo/2002/junio/09/deportes/deportes-20020609-11.html |archive-date=11 April 2014 |website=laprensa.com.ni |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

Bielsa likes to systematise the game. He says that there are 29 distinct formations in football and believes that every young player should be given the opportunity to experience each of them.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EKoNmQsgIEQ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/EKoNmQsgIEQ |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|title=The 29 Formations of Football according to Marcelo Bielsa|website=[[YouTube]]|date=9 April 2017 |accessdate=14 February 2021}}{{cbignore}}</ref>{{better source needed|date=July 2020}}

Discovered by Bielsa, prolific former Argentina national team striker [[Gabriel Batistuta]] proclaimed Bielsa to be "the one who taught me how to train on rainy days, he taught me everything".<ref>{{cite web |title=Batistuta: "Today, I met Bielsa for the first time since the 2002 World Cup" |url=https://www.foxsports.com.ar/news/356530-batistuta-hoy-me-encontre-con-bielsa-por-primera-vez-desde-el-mundial- |website=Fox Sports}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |title=Bielsa has it taped |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2002/jun/02/worldcupfootball2002.sport8 |access-date=17 August 2018}}</ref> [[Fernando Llorente]], who played under Bielsa at Athletic Bilbao, said of his former coach, "At first he seems tough and he may even annoy you with his persistence and don't-take-no-for-an-answer resilience, but in the end he is a genius."<ref>{{cite web |last=Olé |title=Guardiola tiene razón |url=http://www.ole.com.ar/futbol-internacional/europa-league/titulo_0_665333482.html}}</ref> [[Chile national football team|Chile]] international [[Alexis Sánchez]] said of Bielsa: "I learned a lot from him and it is because of him that I am who I am."<ref>{{Cite news |title='Bielsa is best coach in the world' – potential new Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa and those who know him best |work=Sky Sports |url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11715/11394662/bielsa-is-best-coach-in-the-world-potential-new-leeds-boss-marcelo-bielsa-and-those-who-know-him-best |access-date=25 August 2018}}</ref> [[Bayern Munich]] player [[Javi Martínez]] who worked with Bielsa at Bilbao, said that 'Bielsa taught me a lot, how to play as a centre-back and to learn a different style of football, everyone should work with him at least once in their life.'<ref>{{Cite news |title=Bielsa is best coach in the world – potential new Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa and those who know him best |work=Sky Sports |url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11715/11394662/bielsa-is-best-coach-in-the-world-potential-new-leeds-boss-marcelo-bielsa-and-those-who-know-him-best |access-date=25 August 2018}}</ref>

Bielsa is credited with the rise of the [[Leeds United]] and [[England national football team|England]] international player [[Kalvin Phillips]], with former [[Leeds United]] manager [[Howard Wilkinson]] stating: "Bielsa can take huge credit for the player that Phillips has developed into".<ref>{{cite news |date=19 July 2021 |title=Howard Wilkinson compares Kalvin Phillips to title-winning Leeds United star |url=https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/sport/football/leeds-united/howard-wilkinson-compares-kalvin-phillips-to-title-winning-leeds-united-star-3312825 |access-date=19 July 2021 |website=Yorkshire Evening Post}}</ref>

[[Manchester City F.C.|Manchester City]] and [[France national football team|France]] player [[Benjamin Mendy]] noted for his improvement under Bielsa at [[Olympique de Marseille|Marseille]], said Bielsa had "given back to him the strength and aggressiveness lost last year."<ref>{{cite web |date=20 December 2014 |title=Benjamin Mendy en toute insouciance |url=http://www.leparisien.fr/espace-premium/sports/benjamin-mendy-en-toute-insouciance-20-12-2014-4388823.php |website=[[Le Parisien]] |language=fr}}</ref><ref name="Portail SFR">{{cite web |date=25 February 2018 |title=From Bielsa to Guardiola: Laporte tells his mentors |url=https://sport.sfr.fr/football/premier-league/de-bielsa-a-guardiola-laporte-raconte-ses-mentors.html |access-date=5 June 2018 |publisher=Portail SFR}}</ref> His club and international teammate [[Aymeric Laporte]] who was given his debut by Bielsa at [[Athletic Bilbao]], described him as a 'mentor' figure,<ref name="Portail SFR" /> while fellow [[France national football team|France]] international [[Dimitri Payet]] who worked with Bielsa at [[Olympique de Marseille|Marseille]] said: "The season with Marcelo Bielsa made me grow, as a man and especially on the field, in the game, he gave me important bases that I still use today." Former [[Lille OSC|Lille]] player [[Nicolas Pépé]] (now at [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]]) who was signed by Bielsa for Lille described Bielsa as 'special' and a 'great coach'.<ref>{{Cite news |title=LOSC: The confidences of Nicolas Pepe on Marcelo Bielsa |work=10 Sport |url=https://le10sport.com/football/ligue1/losc/losc-les-confidences-de-nicolas-pepe-sur-marcelo-bielsa-413363 |access-date=4 November 2018}}</ref>

Bielsa's unique style continued at Leeds, where to receive a work permit from the UK government, he had to prove "exceptional talent": he did so by compiling a dossier of every formation used in every Championship match during the 2017–18 season, with notes on frequency and variations. Once at the Yorkshire club, he instituted all-day training sessions, gave the first team their own private space at [[Thorp Arch (training ground)|Thorp Arch]], and had sleeping quarters installed in his office so he could devote more time to match analysis. As a motivational tactic, Bielsa once made players pick up litter around the training ground for three hours, as he had been told that was how long an average Leeds fan worked to afford a ticket.<ref>[https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/aug/04/leeds-united-marcelo-bielsa "Perfectionist Marcelo Bielsa brings radical approach to Leeds United"]. ''The Guardian''. Retrieved 6 August 2018</ref>

Some critics have argued that the taxing demands of Bielsa's management style have led to his teams starting a season brightly before a dip in performances as players begin to tire.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11715/11663470/marcelo-bielsa8217s-history-of-burnout-is-it-a-myth-about-the-leeds-boss|title=Marcelo Bielsa's history of burnout: Is it a myth about the Leeds boss?|website=Sky Sports|accessdate=14 February 2021}}</ref>

In August 2019, Bielsa was one of the main stars of [[Leeds United]] documentary ''Take Us Home'' documenting the [[2018–19 Leeds United F.C. season|2018–19 season]] on [[Amazon Prime]], featuring in several episodes in voiceover, before doing an interview for the final episode "The End". The documentary was narrated by actor and Leeds United fan [[Russell Crowe]].<ref>{{cite web |date=16 August 2019 |title=Take Us Home: What we learned from Leeds documentary |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/49367913 |access-date=21 September 2019 |website=BBC Sport}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=16 August 2019 |title=Amazon documentary reveals how Manchester United player Daniel James' Leeds United transfer collapsed |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/daniel-james-man-utd-leeds-16766666 |access-date=21 September 2019 |website=Manchester Evening News}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=16 August 2019 |title=Take Us Home documentary reveals just how close Daniel James was to joining Leeds United |url=https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/take-us-home-amazon-documentary-16765351 |access-date=21 September 2019 |website=leedslive.co.uk |publisher=Leeds Live}}</ref> After Leeds' 4–0 defeat of then-chasing rivals [[West Bromwich Albion]] at home on 1 March 2019 in ''Take Us Home'', Bielsa (through a translator) mused on the nature of victory:
{{blockquote|I came to be part of a programme that has goals, and of course we are aware of the goals wanted by the city and the club, the players, the fans, everybody. But I also can't say that my only interest is winning. What also interests me is the way we build to the victory.<ref>{{Cite episode |title=Pressure |url=http://www.amazon.com/ |series=Take Us Home: Leeds United |last=Hicken |first=Lee (director) | authorlink=Lee Hicken |network=Amazon Prime |date=16 August 2019 |season=1 |number=4 |minutes=41:38}}</ref>}}

==Managerial statistics==
{{updated|match played 10 June 2025}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Managerial statistics |url=http://www.soccerbase.com/managers/manager.sd?manager_id=2212 |access-date=27 July 2012 |publisher=Soccerbase.com}}</ref>

{| class=wikitable style=text-align:center
|+ Managerial record by team and tenure
|-
!rowspan=2|Team
!rowspan=2|From
!rowspan=2|To
!colspan=5|Record
|-
!{{abbr|P|Matches played}}!!{{abbr|W|Matches won}}!!{{abbr|D|Matches drawn}}!!{{abbr|L|Matches lost}}!!{{abbr|Win %|Win percentage}}
|-
|align=left|[[Newell's Old Boys]]
|align=left|1 July 1990
|align=left|30 June 1992
{{WDL|97|39|38|20|decimals=2}}
|-
|align=left|[[Atlas F.C.|Atlas]]
|align=left|1 July 1993
|align=left|31 January 1995
{{WDL|77|29|20|28|decimals=2}}
|-
|align=left|[[Club América|América]]
|align=left|1 July 1995
|align=left|25 March 1996
{{WDL|33|10|14|9|decimals=2}}
|-
|align=left|[[Club Atlético Vélez Sarsfield|Vélez Sársfield]]
|align=left|1 July 1997
|align=left|30 June 1998
{{WDL|44|23|14|7|decimals=2}}
|-
|align=left|[[RCD Espanyol|Espanyol]]
|align=left|10 July 1998
|align=left|19 October 1998
{{WDL|12|3|3|6|decimals=2}}
|-
|align=left|[[Argentina national football team|Argentina]]
|align=left|20 October 1998
|align=left|15 September 2004
{{WDL|85|56|18|11|decimals=2}}
|-
|align=left|[[Chile national football team|Chile]]
|align=left|11 July 2007
|align=left|4 February 2011
{{WDL|51|28|8|15|decimals=2}}
|-
|align=left|[[Athletic Bilbao]]
|align=left|7 July 2011
|align=left|30 June 2013
{{WDL|113|43|31|39|decimals=2}}
|-
|align=left|[[Olympique de Marseille|Marseille]]
|align=left|17 May 2014
|align=left|8 August 2015
{{WDL|41|21|7|13|decimals=2}}
|-
|align=left|[[Lille OSC|Lille]]
|align=left|24 May 2017
|align=left|15 December 2017
{{WDL|14|3|4|7|decimals=2}}
|-
|align=left|[[Leeds United F.C.|Leeds United]]
|align=left|15 June 2018
|align=left|27 February 2022
{{WDL|170|81|30|59|decimals=2}}
|-
|align=left|[[Uruguay national football team|Uruguay]]
|align=left|15 May 2023
|align=left|''Present''
{{WDL|28|12|10|6|decimals=2}}
|-
!colspan=3|Total
{{WDLtot|765|347|200|218|decimals=2}}
|}

==Honours==
===Player===
'''Individual'''
*[[CONMEBOL Pre-Olympic Tournament]] Ideal Team: [[1976 CONMEBOL Pre-Olympic Tournament|1976]]<ref name="ahifu"/>

===Manager===
'''Newell's Old Boys'''
*[[Primera División Argentina]]: [[1990–91 Argentine Primera División|1990–91]], [[1991–92 Argentine Primera División#Torneo Apertura|1992 Clausura]]<ref name=nobfifa/>
*[[Copa Libertadores]] runner-up: [[1992 Copa Libertadores|1992]]<ref name=nobfifa/>

'''Vélez Sarsfield'''
*Primera División Argentina: [[1997–98 Argentine Primera División#Torneo Clausura|1998 Clausura]]<ref name="velez">{{cite web |date=30 May 2013 |title=Vélez le ganaba a Huracán y con el 'Loco' Bielsa lograba un nuevo campeonato |trans-title=Vélez beat Huracán and with 'Loco' Bielsa achieved a new championship |url=https://www.infobae.com/2013/05/30/713152-velez-le-ganaba-huracan-y-el-loco-bielsa-lograba-un-nuevo-campeonato/ |access-date=15 June 2018 |publisher=[[Infobae.com|Infobae]] |language=es-419}}</ref>

'''Argentina'''
*[[Football at the Summer Olympics|Summer Olympics]]: [[Football at the 2004 Summer Olympics – Men's tournament|2004]]<ref name=oly04/>
*[[CONMEBOL Pre-Olympic Tournament]]: [[2004 CONMEBOL Pre-Olympic Tournament|2004]]
*[[Copa América]] runner-up: [[2004 Copa América|2004]]<ref name=cam04/>

'''Athletic Bilbao'''
*[[Copa del Rey]] runner-up: [[2011–12 Copa del Rey|2011–12]]<ref name=cdr12/>
*[[UEFA Europa League]] runner-up: [[2011–12 UEFA Europa League|2011–12]]<ref name=uel12/>

'''Leeds United'''
*[[EFL Championship]]: [[2019–20 EFL Championship|2019–20]]<ref>{{cite web |date=18 July 2020 |title=Leeds United are champions! |url=https://www.leedsunited.com/news/team-news/26806/leeds-united-are-champions |access-date=18 July 2020 |publisher=Leeds United F.C.}}</ref>

'''Uruguay'''
*[[Copa América]] third place: [[2024 Copa América|2024]]

'''Individual'''
*[[IFFHS World's Best National Coach]]: 2001;<ref name="Former Results">{{cite web |title=Former Results |url=http://iffhs.de/former-results/ |access-date=13 January 2016 |publisher=IFFHS}}</ref> runner-up: 2004<ref>{{cite web|last=Garin|first=Erik|date=2 August 2007|title=IFFHS' World's Best Coaches of the Year 1996-2006: National Team Coaches|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/iffhs-coach.html|access-date=27 December 2020|website=RSSF|publisher=Libero (IFFHS Magazine)}}</ref>
*[[South American Coach of the Year]]: 2009<ref>{{cite web |title=South American Coach of the Year |url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/sam-poy.html |access-date=15 May 2019}}</ref>
*[[League Managers Association Awards#Divisional Award Winners|LMA Championship Manager of the Year]]: 2020<ref name="leaguemanagers.com"/>
*[[EFL Championship Manager of the Month]]: August 2018,<ref name="yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk" /> November 2019,<ref>{{cite web |date=13 December 2019 |title=Marcelo Bielsa named Manager of the Month |url=https://www.leedsunited.com/news/team-news/25940/month |access-date=1 August 2020 |website=leedsunited.com |publisher=Leeds United}}</ref> July 2020<ref name="EFL.com"/>
*[[FIFA Fair Play Award]]: [[The Best FIFA Football Awards 2019#FIFA Fair Play Award|2019]]<ref>{{cite web |date=23 September 2019 |title=Messi, Rapinoe Crowned The Best in Milan |url=https://www.fifa.com/the-best-fifa-football-awards/news/messi-rapinoe-crowned-the-best-in-milan |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190923222647/https://www.fifa.com/the-best-fifa-football-awards/news/messi-rapinoe-crowned-the-best-in-milan |url-status=dead |archive-date=23 September 2019 |access-date=23 September 2019 |website=FIFA.com |publisher=Fédération Internationale de Football Association}}</ref> (shared with his club [[Leeds United F.C.|Leeds United]])
*[[The Best FIFA Football Coach]]: [[The Best FIFA Football Awards 2020|2020]] (3rd place)<ref>{{cite web|title=THE BEST FIFA MEN'S COACH|url=https://www.fifa.com/the-best-fifa-football-awards/best-fifa-mens-coach/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161211144632/http://www.fifa.com/the-best-fifa-football-awards/best-fifa-mens-coach/|url-status=dead|archive-date=11 December 2016|access-date=18 December 2020|website=FIFA.com|publisher=Fédération Internationale de Football Association}}</ref>

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* {{BDFutbol manager|4228}}
* {{NFT coach}}
* {{Soccerway coach|130181}}
* {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110201045835/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/archive/southafrica2010/teams/team=43925/coach.html |title=Marcelo Bielsa at FIFA.com |date=dmy}}

{{Current managers of CONMEBOL national teams}}
{{Navboxes
| title = International tournaments
| list1 = 
{{Argentina squad 1999 Copa América}}
{{Argentina squad 2002 FIFA World Cup}}
{{Argentina squad 2004 Copa América}}
{{Argentina men's football squad 2004 Summer Olympics}}
{{Chile squad 2010 FIFA World Cup}}
{{Uruguay squad 2024 Copa América}}
}}
{{Navboxes
| title = Managerial positions
| list1 = 
{{Newell's Old Boys managers}}
{{Atlas F.C. managers}}
{{Club América managers}}
{{Vélez Sársfield managers}}
{{RCD Espanyol managers}}
{{Argentina national football team managers}}
{{Chile national football team managers}}
{{Athletic Bilbao managers}}
{{Olympique de Marseille managers}}
{{S.S. Lazio managers}}
{{Lille OSC managers}}
{{Leeds United F.C. managers}}
{{Uruguay national football team managers}}
}}
{{Navboxes
| title = Awards
| bg = gold
| fg = navy
| list1 =
{{Summer Olympics football tournament winning managers}}
{{Argentine Primera División winning managers}}
{{IFFHS World's Best National Coach}}
{{South American Coach of the Year}}
}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Bielsa, Marcelo}}
[[Category:1955 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:20th-century Roman Catholics]]
[[Category:21st-century Roman Catholics]]
[[Category:Argentine Roman Catholics]]
[[Category:Footballers from Rosario, Santa Fe]]
[[Category:Argentine men's footballers]]
[[Category:Argentina men's youth international footballers]]
[[Category:Argentine sportspeople of Italian descent]]
[[Category:Men's association football central defenders]]
[[Category:Newell's Old Boys footballers]]
[[Category:Instituto Atlético Central Córdoba footballers]]
[[Category:Argentino de Rosario footballers]]
[[Category:Argentine Primera División players]]
[[Category:Argentine football managers]]
[[Category:Newell's Old Boys managers]]
[[Category:Atlas F.C. managers]]
[[Category:Club América managers]]
[[Category:Club Atlético Vélez Sarsfield managers]]
[[Category:RCD Espanyol managers]]
[[Category:Argentina national football team managers]]
[[Category:Chile national football team managers]]
[[Category:Athletic Bilbao managers]]
[[Category:Olympique de Marseille managers]]
[[Category:SS Lazio managers]]
[[Category:Lille OSC managers]]
[[Category:Leeds United F.C. managers]]
[[Category:Uruguay national football team managers]]
[[Category:Argentine Primera División managers]]
[[Category:Liga MX managers]]
[[Category:La Liga managers]]
[[Category:Ligue 1 managers]]
[[Category:Premier League managers]]
[[Category:Serie A managers]]
[[Category:English Football League managers]]
[[Category:1999 Copa América managers]]
[[Category:2002 FIFA World Cup managers]]
[[Category:2004 Copa América managers]]
[[Category:2010 FIFA World Cup managers]]
[[Category:2024 Copa América managers]]
[[Category:Argentine expatriate football managers]]
[[Category:Argentine expatriate sportspeople in Mexico]]
[[Category:Argentine expatriate sportspeople in Spain]]
[[Category:Argentine expatriate sportspeople in Chile]]
[[Category:Argentine expatriate sportspeople in France]]
[[Category:Argentine expatriate sportspeople in Italy]]
[[Category:Argentine expatriate sportspeople in England]]
[[Category:Argentine expatriate sportspeople in Uruguay]]
[[Category:Expatriate football managers in Mexico]]
[[Category:Expatriate football managers in Spain]]
[[Category:Expatriate football managers in Chile]]
[[Category:Expatriate football managers in France]]
[[Category:Expatriate football managers in Italy]]
[[Category:Expatriate football managers in Uruguay]]
[[Category:Argentine football coaches]]
[[Category:20th-century Argentine sportsmen]]