Shocked by Bielsa’s appointment, but not surprised.
Shocked that someone of his stature has agreed to come, but not surprised that AR took this bold step. Last year AR showed his hand with his spat with Wolves, and his conclusion that he was going to follow their model of bringing in the biggest name manager you can find; use his connections to bring in quality loans; and support him with a decent kitty. We now have Bielsa, and a 20 mill kitty funded from the combined 49ers investment and season ticket sales (which AK stated would be used for transfers).
Shocked that Bielsa would want to manage Leeds, but after reading his bio…not surprised. He’s a 62 year old, who wants one last glorious project…where better than at a fallen club that he must have admired from afar back in the 60’s/70’s. He’s an obsessive, innovative coach who demands intensity and work from his players...as do we. He thrives on passionate fans!!!!!
So I think I know why he’s coming, and we know why AR pulled out all the stops to get him...but I'm only guessing at what potential he's seen in the Leeds squad!? Who fits with his preferred formation of high intensity 3-3-1-3? If you haven't seen it, then take a look at this short video on Bielsa's tactics.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDRVk4qvDX0
Based on the club’s stated intention to buy 3/4 quality players (the delay in signing anyone only encourages me that those players will be Bielsa’s choice); and the probable signing of 3/4 quality loans, then who from our present squad has Bielsa seen potential in? Apparently he’s watched every single game from last season (poor guy), and informed Orta who needs to be sold/demoted to the U23’s.
For what its worth, here are my thoughts on ‘el-loco’s’ mindset; on how he might go about utilising the present squad. …and he’ll need to, as he works a small squad very hard, with lots of rotation of players. If there’s one consistent criticism of him, it’s that his teams often tire towards the end of a season.
Anyway, not sure how many of the players listed below will make his first team, but I reckon they can all do a job for him.
Peacock-Farrell
Alioski/Pearce as left wing-back
Dallas/Coyle as right wing-back
Cooper as left centre-back
Jansson as mid-centre-back
Ayling as right centre-back
Forshaw/Viera as segundo volante
Saiz/Hernandez as enganche
Roofe/Roberts as wingers