‘BIELSA’S MAN FOR EUROPE’

LUCAS RADEBE reckons Marcelo Bielsa will eventually steer Leeds back into the Champions League.

Radebe (above), who played in the club’s 2001 Champions League semifinal defeat to Valencia, insists Bielsa will soon have Leeds back in Europe.

“They don’t have any fear and they don’t have any respect, which is fantastic because it shows the intention of the club,” he said.

“They have a manager who has bought into the culture and tradition.

“I do believe they can do something special as long as they have Bielsa, but it might take a little bit of time because he is still trying to improve the team.

“With his knowledge of the game and respect that he has, he’ll get Leeds to a different level as time goes on. He’s very special for the club. You can see it from his attitude on the bench!

“Leeds is a club that should be competing at that level and you can see with the players now that they are so confident. They want to win every game, which is not possible, but it’s the way they play.

“It shows they want to emulate that team [from 2001] and get back to when the fans can enjoy those great nights in the Champions League.”

Radebe believes reinforcements in the January transfer window would be sensible.

“My concern is the depth of the squad because, for them to be able to take their performances all the way, they have to dig even deeper,” he added.

“Leeds can still acquire some players that will bolster the squad.”

Radebe was speaking to beIN SPORTS, the global sports broadcaster.