Leeds United once had Junior Firpo and Marcelo Bielsa at the club at the same time, albeit the 2021/22 season was not the best for either party in West Yorkshire.
Junior Firpo’s best seasons at Leeds United came in the Championship under Daniel Farke and Marcelo Bielsa was sacked in 2021/22, having secured promotion and then a ninth-placed Premier League finish after 16 years away.
Now, the 70-year-old is back in international management once more. In fact, England could face Bielsa’s Uruguay soon, with that reveal prompting Leeds fans to urge the FA for Bielsa to play at Elland Road.
A man of class, Bielsa has sent former Leeds boss Steve Evans a kind message recently. He still keeps up with Bielsa delighted about Leeds’ 2025 promotion as well.
A Leeds banner of Junior Firpo and Marcelo Bielsa spotted
Now a Real Betis player once again, Firpo has still been watching Leeds this season as well. It’s fair to say Firpo loves Leeds fans and that feeling is largely reciprocated.
The Dominican Republic international is facing Uruguay today to reunite with Bielsa. Not only that, but he is captaining the side at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium in Malaysia.
Firpo has also paid tribute to Leeds recently but he will be immensely proud to be facing Bielsa in Kuala Lumpar. Speaking ahead of the match, Firpo admits saying goodbye to Bielsa was tough.
With the Argentine in charge when Victor Orta brought the left-back to LS11 from Barcelona, but dismissed in February following a 4-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur.
Speaking of LS11, Firpo has recently added a Leeds tattoo commemorating that postcode. Both he and Bielsa are far away from there currently, with Uruguay beating Firpo and co 1-0.
Spotted in the crowd at the Bukit Jalil, a Leeds account on X (formerly Twitter) posted the banner on display for both and said: “It’s so funny how you can find our fans in any corner of the world. Massive club. Celebrating two legends, love them both so much.”
The banner being held up reads: “Gracias Bielsa & Firpo. Marching On Together.”
Junior Firpo’s comments on Marcelo Bielsa when he signed in 2021
Speaking to Sky Sports after his first week at the club, Firpo explained his view of Bielsa’s methods. He said: “I found it good. It’s a little bit hard. Really physical. We are doing a lot of sessions of training.”
On how much Bielsa factored into his decision to join, he added: “Maybe not all, not 100% of the decision. But the style he plays and how he manages the team, it makes the decision.
“He wants the players like, pressing high. You know, one-vs-one on the pitch with long distance. And I think this is my style of play.
“But, of course, I never want to forget Victor. Because Victor comes to me and explains the project of the team and of the club. I had a clear decision, at this time.”
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