Clough also won the European Cup twice, the League Cup five times, and a handful of other trophies. He backed up the genius claims with what he achieved with unfashionable sides, often leading them to what was deemed impossible. Revie brought Leeds their first ever league titles and took them from a struggling club in Division Two without a fan base of any note, and turned them in to the best team in the country. Newell’s Old Boys had already been champions fairly recently and the Argentinian league did that weird ‘two leagues’ thing where the winners didn’t play each other. Nothing to confirm they were better than River Plate the second time he won it (but they did beat Boca the year before). Velez Sarsfield were regular winners domestically in the 90’s.
I agree Bielsa was a one trick pony. That said. It isn't necessarily a bad thing Klopp plays with three up front high pressing. It was inevitable that Liverpool were going to have a blip after running Man City close and winning the Champions League, then the title. Playing that way with injuries etc was always going to be difficult, hence what happened last season. Klopp hasn't got a plan B but he's strengthened the squad and used a bit of youth to plug the gaps. Guardiola doesn't have a Plan B. He plays without a striker because Plan A is that good.
But he won the league previously playing with a striker. So is not playing with a striker his old Plan B that is now Plan A? He desperately wanted Harry Kane as well don't forget.
Great article in the Guardian on Bielsa... "...He is a man who sees the corporate, avaricious, sportswashing modern game for what it is, yet managed to navigate his way through it all and still hold on to his principles: decency, humility and an unwavering work ethic. Without wishing to get too existential, he has made fans question why they bother watching football in the first place. Is it for trophies? Not unless you follow a cabal of elite clubs. Is it about nicking a goal and holding on for a result? You might as well go balance the books in the boardroom. Is it about entertainment, identity and sticking two fingers up at anyone who calls you reckless? You bet." Full article - link
This with ******* bells on. This is why I think he is a genius. I love the way he carries this out and most genuine fans would agree. It's a big yes from me. Good on you Bielsa. Beleive !!!!!
The hype Bielsa had coming into English football was unbelievable but he’s never really been world class statistically as a manager. As a coach, he might be superb and that showed when Leeds won promotion and then last season. World class manager don’t concede 14 in a week and have a range of trophies to go with their CV. Bielsa is a very good manager but he’s nowhere near and never has been near the likes of Klopp, Guardiola, Conte and Ancelotti to name a few.
He doesn't have to be world class to me to be an honest cracking humble bloke,that plays football I was brought up to watch following Barnsley fc. Winning trophies for me is a bonus ,however I find that watching my team over the years as given me more joy than watching any cooperate teams like Chelsea winning trophys. The winner at Anfield by Howard ,the 3 1 win at Wembley over Millwall. The football watched under Norman Hunter sticks with me but did not return any trophies. However it was a joy to watch. That's the point I'm trying to make about Bielsa. Sometimes winning gets in the way of the way we should be coaching.
But nobody has said he isn’t this? I just dispute the use of the word genius when he’s basically achieved sod all in pure footballing terms. Not having a Plan B or be willing to see games out isn’t sticking two fingers up at the authorities or the money men. It’s just daft.
Spot on. I thought they should have beaten Man Utd but for kamikaze tactics at 2-2. They should have had a more measured approach once they were level again and vastly on top.
A bit like when we played Chelsea with no fear at 0 0 we should have shut up shop and gone for a penalty shoot out . Naasaa thanks ,I prefer to watch us lose 1 0 and give it a go.
genius /ˈdʒiːnɪəs/ noun 1. exceptional intellectual or creative power or other natural ability. "she was a teacher of genius" Similar: brilliance great intelligence great intellect great ability cleverness brains erudition wisdom sagacity fine mind wit artistry flair creative power precocity precociousness talent gift aptitude facility knack technique touch bent ability expertise capacity power faculty endowment strength strong point forte dexterity adroitness skill virtuosity Opposite: stupidity 2. an exceptionally intelligent person or one with exceptional skill in a particular area of activity. "a mathematical genius" Similar: brilliant person
I agree with you. Bielsa also gave Leeds some dignity back, I know a lot didnt agree but I liked the way he told his players not to oppose a goal that time. Not many characters like him around, they make football interesting.
I think he as tried to give football its dignity back also. Making his team at Leeds go litter picking to give the perspective of the privilege to play football. He is a remarkable human being .
Bielsa has a different approach and has had some success. But genius is a bit strong. If he was such a genius why hasn’t he worked in Europe for top clubs for most of his career? He’s worked in Spain and France (only very briefly in Italy) then England, to no great success until he got Leeds promoted. @Bazza, you quote a couple of great wins and a particularly good team from our history. Did any of those teams or performances have such a lopsided, kamikaze approach? Or were they good attacking teams backed by a solid foundation who knew what they were doing? Whenever Barnsley have had success, we’ve been a force going forward. But we’ve also always had excellent centre halves and presence in central midfield. I like to be entertained and enjoy attacking football - but there is a balance and, unlike for you it seems, I want an approach which leads to results, to success at some level, and prioritise results over entertainment. You won’t be alone in disagreeing. I don’t want to see us concede, for example, 14 goals in barely a week and have a manager that is too stubborn to make any alterations. Proper Leeds fans will be sad to see him go - he’s achieved what many before him failed to - but he was hammering the nails into his own coffin for a few weeks.
Some good points in there, I think nails were going in early days losing big key players and not recruiting in the January window. Hopefully 2 key players signed for us in the January window rectifies the sham of the early season misfortunes.
