Vamos Leeds Carajo
In 2018, Leeds United made one of the boldest decisions in the club’s modern history by appointing Marcelo Bielsa, the enigmatic and revered Argentine coach, to lead their charge back to the Premier League. Andrea Radrizzani, the club’s owner, and Victor Orta, the sporting director, orchestrated this high-profile appointment, despite Bielsa’s reputation for being a demanding and idiosyncratic figure. The gamble paid off in spectacular fashion, ushering in an era of transformation, passion, and eventual triumph.
Playoff Heartbreak (2018–2019)
Bielsa’s first season in charge saw an immediate impact on the squad, with his tactical brilliance and relentless work ethic revolutionizing a team that had finished mid-table the previous year. Bielsa’s philosophy, known as "El Loco’s" high-intensity pressing style and fluid, attacking football, brought Leeds to the top of the Championship table for much of the 2018–2019 season. Players like Kalvin Phillips, Liam Cooper, and Patrick Bamford thrived under his guidance, with Bielsa famously improving their technical ability and understanding of the game. Leeds became one of the most exciting teams to watch, blending physicality with beautiful football. However, after leading the table for most of the season, Leeds faltered in the final stretch and ended up finishing third. They entered the playoffs and faced Derby County in a dramatic semi-final. After winning the first leg 1-0, Leeds suffered a crushing 4-2 defeat in the second leg at Elland Road, resulting in heartbreak for the club and its fans. Despite the disappointment, Bielsa’s impact was undeniable, and both the supporters and the board were convinced he was the man to lead them forward.

Promotion During the Pandemic (2019–2020)
Determined to make amends, Bielsa’s Leeds returned with even greater focus in the 2019–2020 campaign. The Argentine manager’s meticulous attention to detail, from analyzing opponents to the intensity of training sessions, kept Leeds sharp throughout the season. Players continued to thrive under his tutelage, with Kalvin Phillips emerging as a linchpin in the midfield, gaining national recognition and an England call-up. Bamford, initially doubted for his finishing, improved drastically, as did Jack Harrison and Luke Ayling. Leeds dominated the Championship once more, but this time they didn’t falter. As the season was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, Leeds were top of the table, and when football resumed behind closed doors, they sealed promotion with two games to spare, securing the Championship title and returning to the Premier League for the first time in 16 years. Bielsa’s unwavering commitment, tactical genius, and the love he inspired in both the players and fans culminated in a season of redemption. The scenes of celebration, even under lockdown conditions, were unforgettable as Leeds fans celebrated Bielsa’s legacy.

The Third Season: Top Half Finish in the Premier League (2020–2021)
In their first season back in the Premier League, Bielsa’s Leeds were widely tipped to struggle, but the Argentine's fearless philosophy and relentless work ethic once again surprised the doubters. Leeds played an exhilarating brand of football, maintaining their high-intensity pressing game and never shying away from attacking the biggest teams in the league. Notable performances included a 2-1 win over Manchester City and a thrilling 3-3 draw with Liverpool. The transformation of players under Bielsa continued to be a talking point. Stuart Dallas, once a squad player, became a key figure, while Raphinha, a new signing, emerged as one of the most exciting wingers in the league. Leeds finished the season in an impressive 9th place, cementing Bielsa’s status as a managerial genius. His devotion to the club and city, symbolized by his modest lifestyle and deep connection with the fans, made him a beloved figure at Elland Road. The famous chant, "Vamos Leeds Carajo!"—a tribute to Bielsa’s passion—became the anthem of his era.

Struggles, Bielsa’s Departure, and Survival (2021–2022)
The 2021–2022 season proved more challenging. Injuries to key players, such as Phillips and Bamford, exposed the thin squad, and Leeds struggled to replicate their form from the previous year. Bielsa’s unwavering commitment to his attacking philosophy, often leaving the team exposed defensively, became a source of frustration as the results turned poor. Despite the loyalty of the fans, who adored the Argentine, the club found itself slipping dangerously close to the relegation zone.
By February 2022, Leeds had suffered several heavy defeats, and with relegation a real possibility, the board made the difficult decision to part ways with Bielsa. His departure was met with widespread sadness, as Bielsa had become much more than just a coach—he was a symbol of hope and inspiration for the entire city of Leeds. Under his leadership, players had reached new levels, and the bond between the team and its supporters had never been stronger.
Jesse Marsch, an American coach, was appointed as Bielsa’s successor. His primary task was to steer the club away from relegation, and despite initial difficulties, Marsch managed to guide Leeds to survival, securing their Premier League status with a dramatic final-day victory. While Marsch’s appointment marked the end of the Bielsa era, the Argentine’s legacy remained. Bielsa had not only brought Leeds back to the Premier League but had reignited a passion for football in the city and left behind a squad of players who had been molded by his genius.

Period Summary | Division | Pos (Pts) | FA Cup |
Lg Cup |
Europe |
Other |
2018-2019 Details | Championship | 3 (83) | R3 |
R2 |
- |
- |
2019-2020 Details | Championship | 1 (93) | R3 |
R2 |
- |
- |
2020-2021 Details | Premier League | 9 (59) | R3 |
R2 |
- |
- |
2021-2022 Details | Premier League | 17 (38) | R3 |
R4 |
- |
- |