The relationship between the Leeds United supporters and Marcelo Bielsa is one that neutral football fans have often struggled to understand.
The outpouring of emotion in West Yorkshire and on social media this week has highlighted just how much the Argentine was loved by followers of the Whites.
Although, in some quarters, his ability as a manager continues to be questioned despite Leeds fans having nothing but good things to say about him.
While the performances on the pitch more than justify the bond, there was still so much more than just what he did with the players on the pitch.
It was his humility, his awareness that the community is the driver behind the football club and his commitment to Leeds’ development, among other things, that made him such a hero at Elland Road.
Talking on the Footballer’s Football Podcast, which he hosts alongside Callum Wilson, Michail Antonio seemed to understand exactly why Bielsa is so highly regarded.
“Bielsa didn’t just come in and care about the first team, I saw that he used to go watch the kids, he actually cared about the whole of Leeds from the ground up,” said the West Ham striker.
“I think he even took the boys to do a bit of community service in the area so he was Leeds, he cared about the city so that’s why I understand the connection the fans had.”
Comedian Jon Richardson, who is a lifelong Leeds supporter, was the guest on the podcast and he was speaking to Wilson about Bielsa’s influence.
The Newcastle striker made his own assessment of what he saw from the bond between the 66-year-old and the club’s fans.
"Bielsa was obviously a top guy, I did hear you on a live TV show giving a speech about Bielsa and I was like ‘okay, so it really does mean a lot to you’," said Wilson.
“I think for you guys it’s that you tried so long to get to the Premier League again and then you got there under him and had a bit of a honeymoon period with no fans which would’ve been frustrating I can imagine.
“He got you there after so many years and to not stand by him through a bit of a tricky time, it’s typical football isn’t it, I guess.”
