Leeds United hero Pablo Hernandez completes impressive managerial feat, Marcelo Bielsa would be proud

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The iconic Pablo Hernandez is a Leeds United hero and one of the most beloved players of the last two decades at Elland Road.

Pablo Hernandez could be utilised as an attacking midfielder or winger in his playing career, which is where he shone for the likes of Valencia and Swansea City.

However, it was with Leeds United that the Spaniard played his best football, despite the fact he joined in 2016 at the age of 31. Hernandez then became the brains and magic of Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds side.

In fact, Hernandez has admitted his best form came with Leeds, with Hernandez’s genius able to make something out of nothing for Leeds time after time. He seemingly learnt a lot during that time, too.

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Pablo Hernandez wins three in a row with Castellon

Now a 40-year-old coach after retiring two years ago, Hernandez is in interim charge of Castellon after being promoted to caretaker from their B team.

Naturally, Bielsa will influence his managerial career, but Hernandez will take inspiration from Carlos Corberan as well — per his recent comments.

They worked together at Leeds and Corberan now coaches a local side to both in Valencia. Castellon and Valencia are around an hour apart in distance terms.

It’s been a strong start to life as caretaker for ‘EL Mago’, with Hernandez having won his first two Castellon games in charge. Now, he has since made it three out of three.

They were winless in five when he arrived, but Castellon have now made it three in a row to lift themselves to 11th under Hernandez’s tutelage.

They sealed a 3-1 win after scoring in the ninth minute, only to allow Sporting Gijon to equalise moments later. A penalty on the stroke of half-time then put them ahead.

Ousmane Camara sealed the points in the 88th minute for Hernandez’s local side. His chances of getting the full-time role are increasing by the game.

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Pablo Hernandez’s recent comments on Marcelo Bielsa and leaving Leeds

Not only did he win promotion with Leeds, but Hernandez had a lasting impact on the club under the stewardship of Bielsa.

He won Leeds United Player of the Year and/or the Players’ Player of the Year in 2017/18, 2018/19, and 2019/20. It was the best football of his career for a reason.

Recently, Hernandez has commented on Bielsa and leaving Leeds. He said: “It’s a source of pride to see the mural in the city and the affection every time I go.

“I would have stayed in Leeds for my last year, but I would only leave for one reason, to return home.

“I spoke with Víctor Orta and Andrea Radrizzani (at Leeds), and they made my departure very easy. Bielsa told me I could stay, but I’d already made my decision.”