Bielsa: the total “eccentric” who missed out on Irons job

Tonight’s match prompts thoughts of “what might have been” as far as the Irons are concerned.

For there was a possibility at one time that Marcelo Bielsa could have ended up as the Hammers boss.

That was back in 2015 when he was on a shortlist of two to get the job with of course Slaven Bilic the other name on the piece of paper.

Both had their interviews before the Hammers board and eventually – as almost seemed a given – Slaven, the People’s Choice as a former player, got the gig.

Bielsa – recognised across the game as something of an eccentric – speaks not a word of English and the interview was conducted through an interpreter.

The Argentinian moved on to Lazio where he confirmed his reputation as an eccentric by resigning inside two days.

Lazio issued a legal action for breach of contract, suing him for €50 million with Bielsa later explaining the club had been unable to recruit the players he had wanted by the deadline he had given to the club and did not feel that his needs would be supported during the transfer window.

A year later he was at Lille on a two-year deal but had left in 2018 joined Leeds and has taken them to promotion – or as many believe …”back where they belong.”

He certainly doesn’t fit the stereotypes most board’s look for but is he an outstanding operator?

Most certainly yes but clearly perhaps a bit difficult to manage.