It is fair to say that Marcelo Bielsa had a profound impact on everyone associated with Leeds United.
He was not only the man who took the Whites back to the Promised Land, he was someone who cared deeply about the city, the community and its inhabitants.
There was, and continues to be, great sadness throughout West Yorkshire following the news of his departure from the club last weekend.
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Thousands of fans have taken to social media in the last week to express gratitude for the 66-year-old who embodied everything they wanted to see from the manager of their club.
Following news of Bielsa’s exit, we published an article inviting fans to send messages of thanks for the great man.
Also, on our Facebook account, we asked Leeds fans ‘If you had one final message for Marcelo Bielsa, what would it be?’
Hundreds of fans responded and we have collected a few of the best ones below.
Jay Kay wrote : “Muchas Gracias Marcelo. You are a model of excellence, decency and morality in this hypocritical game. You gave us thrills, made us think and provided the standard by which sporting competition should take place. Leeds will always be my first love; like many others in and around Leeds the quality, intelligence and passion you instilled has given us more reasons to love them. I will always march together with your ideals, your loyalty and your humanity.”
Mully64 said: “Mr Bielsa, Thank you. You gave us back our pride. Then you gave us back our dignity. Then you made others respect us once again. You go with all our blessings and you will be remembered and indeed revered long after others come and go - you join 'The Don' and 'Sergeant Wilko' and who would choose between the three of you. Thank you once again.”
NashvilleWhite added: “Promotion was amazing, and the quality of football that Mr Bielsa brought to us was fantastic, but more than anything, the cultural change whereby doing things the right way is what I appreciate most. Having players that give 100% for the club, and do it with the highest levels of integrity brought to me a level of pride as a Leeds fan that I haven't had for many years. Marcelo - my gratitude can never be expressed by words alone, but thank you for all you did for Leeds United.”
Bennybielsa wrote: “Thank you Marcelo. From the first game against Stoke you brought football back to our club in the way it should be played. The way you behaved off the field was wonderful to see, in a game where managers blame everyone and everything for defeat you never did. You behaved with dignity and never looked for excuses. I wish you all the best in whatever you do and never forget you are always Leeds.”
Pbowden4 said: “Thank you Marcelo, this is such a sad day for the people of Leeds. You gave us back pride, dignity and respect when all seemed lost. Never once did you criticise match officials, dispute decisions or use our lengthy injury list as a reason or excuse, and your actions against Aston Villa ‘Give a goal’ will hopefully make other teams appreciate your football philosophy of doing things the right and ethical way. You will rank alongside the great managers of Leeds United in ability, but in all other aspects… respect, humility, decency etc, you will be Number 1. You are a great manager and coach but more than that you are a Good Person. Muchas Gracias Marcelo and thanks for the memories.”
Edders commented: “Marcelo, in this crazy, greedy, self promoting football world you are a beacon of honesty, integrity and humility. My family and I thank you for what you have done for our football team over the last three and a half years. You have played a brand of football that is hard working and entertaining and is definitely unique. I have been a Leeds fan for over 50 years and you have brought a brand of football not seen here since the seventies. Te deseo buena salud y felicidad Marcelo.”
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Here are some comments in response to our Facebook post.
Firstly, a really nice message from Gareth Virr: “Thank you! From the bottom of my heart, thank you! Not just for what you achieved on & off the pitch but the way you did it. With such grace, humility & respect. And thank you for not only rekindling my love of football & LUFC but for taking the time to reply to my email & helping me out of a really dark place in a really bad time in my life. Your kind words will stay with me forever. Marcelo Bielsa, sir, you will always have a place in my heart & please know I am forever grateful to you.”
Barbara Thomas said: “Gracias Marcelo! You are a legend amongst Leeds fans and we will never forget the journey you took us on - from the best football we have seen to the team work and enjoyment! You are the guy who united our United! Thank you from the bottom of my blue, yellow and white heart!”
Craig Bennett wrote: “Thank you for more than football, you helped me through some dark times with how you are as a man and a human, my mental health is hundreds of times better thanks to you. And for the football, wow what can we say, we are mere mortals in your presence. Gracias Marcelo, forever loved.”
Anthony Jackson added: “Marcelo, you came to a strange country a strange city, yet you came lived humbly you chatted with fans. You then gave us hope. Then you united a fan base so long lost in a wilderness. You then smiled and took fans not just in the UK but around the world on the best roller coaster in the world and I would get on it again and again.”
Finally, Kathryn Vause penned: “Marcelo, as well as the long awaited return to the Premier League, you leave a legacy of integrity and decency. You have restored our pride. A true gentleman. Thank you.”
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