Marcelo Bielsa‘s sacking is still disputed by Leeds fans. Would he have saved Leeds? Would he have done any better than Jesse Marsch? One thing is for certain – Marsch is getting a tune out of Rodrigo, something Bielsa never managed.
Bielsa left Leeds after heavy defeats to Liverpool and Tottenham. Marsch stepped in, and saved Leeds on the final day of the season with a 2-1 away win over Brentford. Since, he has radically improved the squad depth in the summer.
It might have been something Bielsa may have done in the summer. Bielsa might even have saved Leeds, though things did look ominous. But one thing Marsch can say he has done that Bielsa never did, is improve Rodrigo’s form.
The Spain ace is our biggest signing since promotion. His £27m fee remains a club record. He managed only 13 goals in his first two seasons, though. But this term, he has been “brilliant”, according to Micah Richards, as per Leeds Live.
Marsch is getting a tune out of Rodrigo; something Bielsa never managed
Yes, injuries and covid hampered Rodrigo’s first season. Of course, Patrick Bamford’s form meant Rodrigo had to drop back into attacking midfield and Leeds fans understood that. But it was never his strongest position.
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His form coincided with Leeds’ form last season. But this time around, he is the club’s starting striker. He has been made part of the leadership group, allowing the Spanish-speaking members of the squad to have someone to talk to.
But most-importantly, with Bamford out, Rodrigo is finally being given the run of games he has craved to play in his natural position. It is benefiting Leeds. Nine goals in 13 League games, five in his last four, and a brace at Tottenham.
Rodrigo looks like he is producing the form of his career – and that is down to Marsch. While Bielsa had reason for Rodrigo failing to play as a 9, or producing his best form – Marsch is getting the best out of him. Bielsa never did.
