Pablo Hernandez shares what Marcelo Bielsa told him just before he left Leeds United

Add as preferred source on Google

Leeds United absolutely loved Pablo Hernandez during his five-year stay at Elland Road, but particularly under Marcelo Bielsa.

In fact, the last time Leeds United were promoted prior to 2025, Pablo Hernandez was not just a part of the side, he was the entire heartbeat of it.

Hernandez has admitted that the best form of his career was with Leeds, but specifically under Bielsa’s tutelage from 2018-2021. Bielsa remained longer than that, but Hernandez left after one season in the Premier League.

He joined in 2016 but Hernandez later became the magic and flair of Bielsa’s Leeds side. His genius and invention was often delivering the most crucial of moments in the Championship.

The attacking midfielder became a huge differential in tight games, with Hernandez able to make something out of nothing with Leeds, especially during the 2020 run-in, and many of his goals and assists proved to be match-winners as well.

• READ MORE: Daniel Farke’s claim on Leeds United ace has been emphatically debunked following latest development

Marcelo Bielsa wanted to retain Pablo Hernandez for 2021/22

If Leeds needed a solution or for someone to pick a lock, Hernandez was often the answer. He was a man of class and character, as exemplified by his goal return but also in Hernandez sending Leeds a congratulatory message following promotion.

He still has eyes on what goes on in West Yorkshire, it seems. It’s hardly a surprise, though, given that Hernandez played more games in his senior career for Leeds than any other side. That includes two stints with Valencia and five seasons with the La Liga giants.

After Leeds, Hernandez returned to Spain with local side Castellon. Now, Hernandez is in interim charge of Castellon. Bielsa may well influence his managerial career, but Hernandez will take inspiration from Carlos Corberan as well.

Speaking via El Periodico Mediterraneo yesterday, Hernandez explained what Bielsa said to him prior to the emotional farewell at Elland Road on the final day of 2020/21 in a 3-1 win over West Bromwich Albion.

He left the field after 70 minutes in tears, but he has detailed the ‘one reason’ why he left Leeds at that time, stating: “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.”

• READ MORE: Jayden Bogle boost timely as Leeds United star best in the Premier League in one key area

Pablo Hernandez’s achievements with Leeds

The Spanish magician retired from football two years ago but Hernandez had many great moments for Leeds, including that promotion in 2020, but also his famous goal against Swansea as well.

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.

He was also a part of the 2018/19 Championship Team of the Season and his performances lit up Elland Road for a number of years; there have been few like him since his departure.

The goal against Swansea remains the most famous, though, with very few goals in Leeds’ recent history able to compete with the magnitude of it.