This time he was managing Vélez Sarsfield. He then spent some time in Mexico coaching Atlas and Club América.Īfter returning to Argentina, Bielsa won the top division again in 1998. They also reached the final of Copa Libertadores that year but lost to Brazilian giants São Paulo. He won the Torneo Clausura (Argentine first division) with the club in 1992. Later on, he took the reigns of Newell’s Old Boys youth team, where he scouted and signed the likes of Mauricio Pochettino and Gabriel Batistuta.Įventually, the club appointed him as the senior team manager. He had famously scouted 3000 players to build a 20-man squad there. His first gig as a football coach was at the University of Buenos Aires. Bielsa’s football ideology is heavily influenced by the Italian great.
Arrigo Sacchi was his earliest inspiration for pursuing football management. He was obsessed with football tactics and had subscriptions to 40 football publications. So, he hung up his boots at the age of 25 and focused on a managerial career instead. Today, we will take a brief look at his career and relive some of the craziest Marcelo Bielsa stories.īielsa realized at an early stage in his playing career that he would not make it as a footballer. The enigmatic Argentine stole the limelight once again as he orchestrated Leeds United’s return to English top-flight after 16 years. His nickname El Loco translates as “The Lunatic” in English.Īpparently, he got the name when he threatened to chop off Newell’s defender Fernando Gamboa’s fingers if they lost. When he was managing Newell’s Old Boys, he locked himself up in a hotel room for 48 hours to grieve a 6-0 defeat to San Lorenzo. The 64-year-old has garnered somewhat of a mad scientist status in football because of his unique philosophies and eccentric behaviours.ĭuring his managerial stint at Vélez Sarsfield, he turned up in his player Martín Posse’s wedding with a VHS tape of a match he wanted the forward to study. It was a tactical masterclass from Bielsa, which saw him overcome one of the greatest football minds of all time in Sir Alex Ferguson. Los Leones won the match 3-2 and won the return leg at San Mamés 2-1 to complete a 5-3 hammering of a star-studded Manchester United Nevertheless, 6500 travelling fans from Bilbao basked in sheer ecstasy as they witnessed their team playing the Red Devils out of the park. So, Bielsa’s side had entered the fray as obvious underdogs.
But, they were still front runners in the Premier League title race. Sir Alex Ferguson’s team had endured a disappointing exit from the Champions League that season. Marcelo Bielsa had led Athletic Bilbao to Old Trafford for their Europa League Round Of 16 tie. "You are without doubt one of the best full-backs in the history of world football, a unique player.March 8, 2012. "Dear Marcelo, you have accomplished all the dreams. We speak of a legend, the player with the most titles in the history of Real Madrid. Perez said: "We wanted to pay a passionate tribute to our great captain. Marcelo made 545 appearances for Real in all competitions after joining from Brazilian side Fluminense in 2007. To put on this shirt has been the most beautiful." "The most difficult thing is to say goodbye. I believe I can continue but I'm not thinking much about the future. "I'm always going to support Real Madrid and together we've decided to leave it well, and through the front door. Marcelo has been linked with Turkish side Fenerbahce and French club Marseille.Īsked if he felt his service should have entitled him to another year with Real, he said: "I did not want to stay for another year or two out of pity. 'A wonderful moment' - Marcelo makes history for Real.He was also presented with Real's gold membership badge by president Florentino Perez. Marcelo, who won five Champions Leagues and six La Liga titles during his time at the Bernabeu, was honoured at a special ceremony in recognition of his career. "Today is the happiest day since I've been in Madrid because as I leave I realise I've left a legacy," he said. He said he is not retiring but did not know where his next club will be.
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