Three changes Leeds United fans can expect from Marcelo Bielsa

Argentine manager Marcelo Bielsa has signed a two-year deal with Leeds United this summer, taking over from Paul Heckingbottom who was relieved of his duties last month. Leeds fans have a lot to expect from the experienced coach who has mentored the likes of Pep Guardiola and Mauricio Pochettino.

As he goes through the routine of making new signings in preparation for next season, let’s take a look at 3 key changes Bielsa should make at Elland Road.

What should supporters expect from a man who has been at the helm of Argentina, Chile, Athletic Bilbao, Marseille and Lille?

Fitness is Key for Bielsa

The 62-year-old Argentine demands extremely high fitness levels from his players. In fact, Bielsa is legendary for his meticulous preparation and fans can expect a different pre-season this time.

According to Lille winger Anwar El Ghazi, the first few days will be spent on tests and then hardcore training will follow. Anwar talked to BBC about Bielsa’s time at Lille saying, “We trained at 10 AM and second training was 6:30 PM.”

Bielsa’s obsession with positioning and Pressing

During Bielsa’s tenure at Leeds, expect one word to stand out, pressing. Pressing is synonymous to Bielsa as heavy metal football is to Jurgen Klopp.

In his systems – that are often passed down to the academy youngsters as well – Bielsa’s emphasis is on the positional play, quite like his protégé Pep Guardiola. Often playing his favoured 3-3-3-1 or 4-2-3-1 formations, the Leeds squad must learn when to be where. And they must get used to playing with a three-man backline more often.

Legendary meticulous preparation

For a man fond of video analysis, every detail in the preparation is not left out. Bielsa spends hours watching videos and can watch two games at the same time. He expects his players to also do their homework.

Bielsa is so meticulous that during his reign at Lille, the 62-year-old demanded that the club built stripped-down bungalows with only the basics near their Domaine de Luchin training complex for the players. This was meant to help the players bond better as a family.

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El Ghazi said, “We eat here, we sleep here and we do everything here. They’re small bungalows, just a bedroom, air conditioning and electricity, that’s all. If you want to take a shower you go to the changing room and we have a room with Playstation and table tennis.

The coach said we had to be a family together and when you’re eating together, sleeping next door to each other, you become a family. We are like brothers now.”