When Marcelo Bielsa was relieved of his duties as Leeds United manager, the club were aware of the sentimental feelings of the fan base toward the Argentinian manager. After all, he left the club as a legend due to finally restoring them to the Premier League after 16 years away.
Following that achievement, he led his team to a ninth place finish in the top tier in 2020/21 but the second season in the Premier League was much more of a struggle and the Whites were in danger of being relegated when Andrea Radrizzani and the board made the decision to replace Bielsa.
In the statement announcing Bielsa leaving the club, it was stated: "Plans for a permanent tribute to Marcelo at Elland Road are under way and more information will be released in due course." According to a picture shared on Twitter, this tribute may be in the shape of what appears to be a marble version of Bielsa's famous 'bucket' which he used to sit on during games.
The picture shows the club crest and the quote 'a man with new ideas is a mad man, until his ideas triumph'. This is a famous quote of Bielsa's and is also featured on the mural of him in the city.
Read more: Marcelo Bielsa's international successes as former Leeds United manager targeted by Bolivia
Discussing the purported tribute on social media, Leeds fans are torn on the idea. Some would have liked to have seen a stand or the training ground renamed in the legendary manager's honour or for a statue to have been created. Others feel that this is the perfect tribute for a man known for his humility.
Here are a selection of tweets:
@Alltheleedstalk: "I like the idea of it definitely will provide a lot of fans a chance to have a very famous and memorable photo opportunity."
@AlfieLS11: "The guy is so humble he’d think it’s too much of a tribute. Also correct me if I’m wrong but Billy’s statue was unveiled 23 years after his last game for the club and a decade after he’d managed us. Revie’s was 2012! These things take time be patient."
@mg_dodger: "Renaming Thorp Arch [Leeds' training ground] would be more appropriate."
@edzzz11: "Wilko has not got a statue and he won the top 2 leagues so fair enough."
@mrtom28: "It's perfect. It's low-key enough to not embarrass him... but it captures the essence of what made him unique and special."
@Lee6738: "Arguably worse than the badge idea if true!"
@randrewball: "Is it too much to ask for a statue of him on a bucket?"
@paudieobrien: "This I hope is a joke … because that man deserves a lot more than a bucket … totally disrespectful to the man and what he did for this club …"
@ericpepper: "This better be just the base of the statue he is going to be on?"
@lsdadbod1980: "Why would Bielsa get a statue before Howard Wilkinson."
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