CROSS @CROSSYDAILYSTAR AT ELLAND ROAD
Terrifying time at Leeds
UNDER normal circumstances, Marcelo Bielsa would be heading to Norwich this afternoon under pressure to save his own skin.
One Premier League win all season is nowhere near good enough for someone a lot of people consider to be a managerial genius.
Halloween is upon us, but the horror show started unfolding at Leeds weeks ago, as it became clear the novelty of having the Yorkshire club back in the top flight had worn off.
Results and performances have led to suggestions in some quarters that rival bosses have worked Leeds out, that Bielsa’s tactics and approach are one dimensional. What is Plan B when
Plan A doesn’t work?
Bielsa doesn’t live in normal circumstances, however.
Whatever happens between now and the end of this season, the Argentine will never have to buy a pint in Leeds again, such is the God-like status he’s been granted.
There are giant murals of him painted around the city, beers and foods have been named after him, while those with a somewhat alarming obsession have even been known to follow him around the supermarket.
The ironic part is the man himself stays humble as can be, almost confused as to the esteem in which he is held. A more unlikely icon in football doesn’t exist. Those who have the audacity to criticise or question Bielsa’s status need to brace themselves for a tsunami of abuse from his legion of worshippers.
But there will come a time when these same people need to prepare for life without him.
That time will be decided by Bielsa himself and not those who employ him, because the thought of sacking him has never crossed the mind of Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani (bottom left).
It would be regarded as an act of treason. But Radrizzani must know that when Bielsa does choose to leave Elland Road, he has a big problem.
There is a good chance this could be the Argentine’s last season at Leeds.
In his previous four club jobs he lasted less than two years and despite him now being in his fourth campaign with his current one, longevity is clearly not really his thing.
He is also working against the backdrop of his wife and family remaining home in South America.
But the most pressing reality of all Radrizzani has to confront is the genuine fear Bielsa has taken his current team as far as he can.
Without serious investment, the sum of his ambition now is to keep his side in the top flight. Europe remains a distant dream.
He will leave it late before telling his bosses of his future plans, which isn’t helpful, but it is understood director of football Victor Orta (above) has a shortlist of three potential replacements if the worst happens.
The names on it remain top secret but one thing is for sure, whoever the next Leeds boss proves to be he will have huge shoes to fill and will feel like he’s on a hiding to nothing – because the challenge will be to take the club to that next level.
Someone who can build on the great work Bielsa has done and challenge for trophies. All we can do is wish Radrizzani and Orta the best of luck.