But keep an eye on Leeds
has done with Bielsa. But he must have sold Leeds very well to him.
“The question is how the manager will adapt because the Championship is a unique league. It’s a 46-game marathon with a never-ending round of SaturdayTuesday fixtures.
“That robs coaches of valuable time working with the players on the training ground.
“We know Bielsa likes his teams to play with a high intensity and high energy, but that takes a monumental effort in this division.
“You need to grind out results when not at your best. That is a skill that teams need to learn.
“But Leeds have nicked a bargain in Barry Douglas for £3 million. I was staggered that Wolves let him go.
“He led the assists in the Championship last season and he has a wand of a left foot. He can turn a match with one set-piece delivery.
“If that’s an indicator of the calibre of player Leeds can get, I would be cautiously optimistic about their chances.”
At the other end of the management scale to Bielsa, Frank Lampard will send out a team for the first time when Derby travel to Reading in the season opener on Friday night.
“It shows what a massive league this has become,” says Goodman.
“Frank will have to lean on a lot of people and how successful he’ll be remains to be seen. But I like the look of the players he’s bringing in.
“As a manager, you live or die by recruitment. If you get it right, the odds are you’ll have a good season.
“But if he doesn’t do well, come January or February, no one will care two-hoots about his outstanding playing record.”