Marcelo Bielsa: Leeds United fans' love stays strong amid Premier League relegation battle

The giant flag raised at Elland Road before kick-off bore the face of Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa and was emblazoned with the words: «Teacher. Visionary. Legend.»

And as the final whistle sounded after the sort of thrill ride that has been the Argentine's template during his time in charge, this time ending in a 4-2 defeat by Manchester United, the whole stadium echoed to the name of the enigmatic coach who has allowed one of England's great old footballing institutions to live the dream once more.

Bielsea struck the trademark pose — rain-soaked, crouching, staring at the floor — as what threatened to be one of his most famous victories ended in a loss that makes even the Leeds fans who adore him increasingly nervous about how this season might end.

This week, for the first time since he was appointed in June 2018, the noise around Bielsa's potential departure has reached levels where even potential successors, in this case American Jesse Marsch, have been touted.

Bielsa, as ever, refuses to be drawn into talk about his future until he is ready to make a decision. And rightly so given his main priority now is, whatever decision he takes, ensuring Leeds United are in the Premier League next season.

Even in defeat, the whole of Elland Road rose for their beloved Bielsa in a show of unconditional love that has characterised that relationship since he arrived in West Yorkshire. Just speaking with Leeds fans around the stadium confirmed that not even relegation will shape their feelings for him any other way.

And yet, there is a worrying, fragile look to this Leeds United side that Bielsa, a coach not renowned for wearing the cloak of conservatism or switching a long-held philosophy, must somehow arrest and quickly.

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