Gerardo Martino is one of the latest names to be linked with the vacant job at Leeds United following the statement from the club regarding Michael Skubala – and the Argentine has earned praise from Marcelo Bielsa in recent years.
Martino, 60, is out of work after managing Mexico at the World Cup. An incredibly experienced boss, Martino’s career has spread across 10 different clubs and three separate countries. Five of which, have come in Argentina at club level.
Indeed, there are comparisons to be made with Bielsa. Similar in terms of style, he is also a Newell’s Old Boys legend. The club in which Bielsa is an icon, the stadium named after him – playing for, and managing the Argentine side.
If Bielsa is the club’s biggest icon, Martino is not far behind. He played almost 500 league games for Newell’s, and then managed the club for 71 games. Argentina, Barcelona, Mexico, Atlanta United and plenty of others are on his CV.
TNT in Argentina report that Leeds are keen to hand him only his second spell in European football, alongside Barca. Talks have been opened, with Martino not in a job. Speaking in 2013, Bielsa recalled managing Martino at Newell’s.
Martino linked with Leeds, Argentine earned praise from Bielsa in 2013
“He is an exceptional player, of a different category, thinking in a way that at times isn’t recognised,” Bielsa told the Guardian. “I always say, he is the leader of the team, serene, calm. After defeats, he’s one the young players look to.”
So, a Bielsa disciple but with huge experience. Many will suggest that surely, it is just appointing another Bielsa. But Martino is wily, he has been around the block and he might be more willing to be pragmatic, given our situation.
A faith in youth, a real leader, an attractive style of football but flexible to what is needed – Leeds would be getting a real coup in the Argentine. The chances of it happening? It seems unlikely. But if we stay up, perhaps, the summer?
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