It finally feels like Leeds are back
‘BRILLIANT BIELSA HAS GOT THE CLUB AND CITY BUZZING... NOW EUROPE MUST BE HIS MISSION’
DOMINIC MATTEO believes Leeds United could re-emerge as a major European force under Marcelo Bielsa – two decades after the former Elland Road star himself helped the club reach the Champions League semi-finals.
After 16 painful years in the doldrums, Bielsa guided the Yorkshire giants back to the Premier League last season and they are now aiming for their first top-half finish since 2001-02.
Matteo, part of David O’Leary’s side who marched on Europe before the club’s financial meltdown and subsequent relegation, believes the good times are well and truly back.
The ex-Liverpool and Leeds defender said: “We’ve got a brilliant manager in Bielsa so let’s get him tied down for another season.
“From the moment he walked into the club, everyone has got behind what he’s trying to do.
“It can take years to generate that kind of momentum – but Bielsa managed it right away and Leeds have been on the up ever since. “It feels like we’ve finally got our club back and everyone in football is talking about Leeds United again.
“There is a massive buzz about them and I get messages from Leeds fans all over the world, so the interest has skyrocketed now they are back in the big time. I think people are realising how big Leeds are again, because the potential of the club is frightening.
“Like Liverpool, momentum is massive with Leeds and once they get going it’s difficult to stop them – it’s like a superpower.
“With an outstanding owner in Andrea Radrizzani, and a top manager in Bielsa, Leeds are flying right now.
“I think next season they should be looking to get back into Europe. Bielsa is that type of manager – and nothing would surprise me because Leeds play with no fear.
“Look at the improvement in players like Stuart Dallas (below), Luke Ayling, Kalvin Phillips and Patrick Bamford.
“I think keeping these key players, and signing someone like Udinese midfielder Rodrigo De Paul in the summer, and maybe one or two others, could take Leeds to the next level.”
Matteo was part of a starstudded Whites team who reached the last four of the Champions League 20 years ago.
Leeds faced the might of Barcelona, AC Milan and Real Madrid before losing to Valencia in the semi-finals.
Matteo’s famous headed equaliser in the San Siro secured a 1-1 draw and qualification for the second-group stage.
The 46-year-old recalled: “They were incredible times and Leeds was the best place to be around – we had great players like Harry Kewell, Mark Viduka, Rio Ferdinand and Lee Bowyer, but physical lads like Olivier Dacourt and David Batty too.
“Leeds folk are happy-go-lucky, hard-working people but it’s a tough city and the buzz around town during that era was just phenomenal.
“I felt really proud to be a part of it because I loved Leeds and still do. It’s great to see them back where they belong.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to be invited to a lot of games at Elland Road before Covid struck, and I went along with my wife and little boy.
“It’s been brilliant to see the progress which has been made, and the next step now is to build on what has already been achieved. European qualification has to be the target for next season.”
The Whites are buoyant after last weekend’s win at Manchester City and, according to a Sky Bet Fan Hope Survey, 77 per cent of Leeds fans believe their recent Premier League form is solely down to Bielsa.
Matteo said: “Liverpool have to win tomorrow to get in the Champions League – I think they have to win all their remaining games. “Liverpool is my boyhood club where I made my name but I love Leeds too and they will fancy it.
“Both teams will always be in my heart and I’m looking forward to it… the Dom Matteo derby!”