Summary

  • Bielsa's first Leeds press conference

  • Ex-Argentina and Chile coach unveiled

  • Bielsa, 62, has signed a two-year deal

  • Pochettino calls him his 'football father'

  • Bielsa replaces Heckingbottom at Leeds, who was sacked on 1 June

  1. Bielsa keen not to make predictionspublished at 14:20 British Summer Time 25 June 2018

    Now Bielsa has been asked what would be a measure of success during his time at Leeds:

    "There are many ways to ask questions that - at the end of the day - we find it impossible to answer.

    "I've kind of already answered that question in a similar way.

    "Setting parameters, objectives and targets in advance is not the ideal message of support for the fans.

    "If you are trying to predict the future, you're almost becoming a God rather than a football coach. It is not convenient to be making statements at this stage.

    "I much prefer doing things by trying to demonstrate and give examples, rather than trying to predict."

  2. Guardiola's mentor and Pochettino's "father"published at 14:17 British Summer Time 25 June 2018

    Bielsa is a manager who commands serious respect, just ask two of the Premier League's most revered tacticians.

    Marcelo Bielsa with Pep Guardiola in the backgroundImage source, Getty Images

    The Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola travelled to Argentina in 2006 to seek out his advice about becoming a coach... yeah, fair to say that has worked out extraordinarily well.

    The have remained close ever since, with Guardiola saying: "My admiration for Marcelo Bielsa is huge."

    Mauricio Pochettino (left) worked under Marcelo Bielsa during his tenure as Argentina head coach between 1998 and 2004Image source, Getty Images

    Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino was 14 when he first met Bielsa and went on to play under him at Newell's Old Boys and with Argentina.

    "He is like my football father," Pochettino said.

  3. 'I've taken note of good comments'published at 14:16 British Summer Time 25 June 2018

    Bielsa is now asked about whether or not he has spoken to Pep Guardiola and Mauricio Pochettino, two managers that look up to the Argentine, about English football and taking the job.

    "I’ve not had a physical conversation, but I’m aware of what they have said. I see what they say in the media and what they have said about the game.

    "As you are aware, those two are enamoured with the English game.

    "Everything I have gleaned from comments have always been very positive."

  4. Bielsa 'dreaming' of Premier Leaguepublished at 14:15 British Summer Time 25 June 2018

    So, does Bielsa believe he will take Leeds back to the Premier League?

    "It is imprudent to promise something that you can't be certain of.

    "But at the same time it would be impossible not to be dreaming about that happening.

    "To give sense to any kind of project like this and plans for the future in a sporting sense, what drives you is having that desire and belief that you can achieve everything that everyone wants."

  5. Postpublished at 14:13 British Summer Time 25 June 2018

    Marcelo Bielsa's opening press conferenceImage source, Ian Woodcock - BBC Sport

    While Bielsa is speaking, he is looking down at the desk, twiddling his thumbs, seemingly deep in thought, not making much eye contact with reporters.

    It appears he may be reading from some notes, initially.

  6. Bielsa not set to make multiple signingspublished at 14:12 British Summer Time 25 June 2018

    Asked about transfer targets, the Argentine says:

    "For the moment, we are not intending to bring too many faces in.

    "From my point of view, the club have currently got on the books plenty of players that we should keep."

  7. Applauded at Old Traffordpublished at 14:11 British Summer Time 25 June 2018

    Beat Manchester United at home in Europe and get applauded for your efforts - that is how Bielsa rolls.

    Bielsa during his time as Athletic Bilbao bossImage source, Getty Images

    In March 2012, Man U fans gave Bielsa's Athletic Bilbao a fine ovation after a stunning performance in the first leg of a Europa League last-16 tie.

    Not many visiting managers and teams get that sort of treatment.

    Sir Alex Ferguson described Bielsa's Bilbao side as having "a work rate higher than anyone he had seen in Europe".

    During his time in charge of Chile, his teams enthralled at times with their 3-3-1-3 formation and attacking football, pressing high up the pitch.

    But as that wonderful old saying goes... can he do it on a cold, rainy Tuesday night in Stoke?

  8. 'Taking the game by the scruff of the neck'published at 14:10 British Summer Time 25 June 2018

    Asked about imposing that much referenced attacking style of play, Bielsa's interpreter sums it up as "taking the game by the scruff of the neck" and "playing it on the carpet".

    Bielsa started by saying: "We almost have an obligation as managers to put into place what we believe and is right.

    "I believe the players will interpret what I say on the field and have ability to take on board what I say to put my thoughts and beliefs into action."

  9. Postpublished at 14:05 British Summer Time 25 June 2018

    Asked if he needed convincing to take charge of Leeds, Bielsa starts by saying:

    "It was a case of me convincing myself. Nobody had to convince me to come here.

    "I was convinced by the strength of Leeds United as a club and also the opportunities on the pitch."

  10. 'Bielsa had other options'published at 14:04 British Summer Time 25 June 2018

    Ian Woodcock
    BBC Sport at Elland Road

    Leedstop table.Image source, Ian Woodcock - BBC Sport

    Leeds chairman and owner Andrea Radrizzani introduces Marcelo Bielsa as Leeds United head coach.

    He says that Bielsa will change the mentality of the "whole football department" and that the Argentine had other options but chose Leeds United.

  11. Postpublished at 14:03 British Summer Time 25 June 2018

    Owner Andrea Radrizzani has addressed the press pack and has spoken about how Bielsa has come into Leeds to change the mentality.

    He has also stressed that Bielsa chose the club.

  12. Postpublished at 14:03 British Summer Time 25 June 2018

    Argentine Bielsa is going to be speaking via an interpreter, ahead of what is his first season in English football.

  13. Bielsa is in the buildingpublished at 14:00 British Summer Time 25 June 2018

    Right on time, Marcelo Bielsa has sat down in the press conference room...

    Leeds' majority owner Andrea Radrizzani is alongside the Argentine.

  14. Is Bielsa bigger than Leeds?published at 13:59 British Summer Time 25 June 2018

    Ian Woodcock
    BBC Sport at Elland Road

    Given that we're right in the middle of a World Cup it's fair to say the media room is pretty busy here.

    One of the other journalists here has just said this might be the first time that Leeds have had a manager who is bigger than the club.

    Leeds will hope Bielsa's tenure pans out better than the 44 days Brian Clough had here in 1974...

  15. Make yourself at home Marcelopublished at 13:57 British Summer Time 25 June 2018

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    Here's the man himself, sat in his new office today for the first time, with Leeds' playing squad having returned from their summer break today.

    He loves a pair of scissors, does Marcelo.

    Your suggestions for precisely what's inside his wash bag can be made via #bbcefl on social media.

  16. The stage is setpublished at 13:54 British Summer Time 25 June 2018

    A press conference to introduce a new manager wouldn't be the same without the obligatory shot of empty chairs and a table now, would it?

    So, we're not going to disappoint.

    Here's the view from the floor as Elland Road prepares to greet Marcelo Bielsa.

    Leeds press conferenceImage source, Ian Woodcock - BBC Sport
  17. get involved

    Get Involvedpublished at 13:53 British Summer Time 25 June 2018

    #bbcefl

    You can have your say on Marcelo Bielsa's appointment at Leeds - and you can react to what he says to the media shortly - via #bbcefl on social media.

    How do you predict that Leeds will get on this season under the Argentine? Get in touch and get involved.

  18. Renewed sense of optimismpublished at 13:51 British Summer Time 25 June 2018

    Ian Woodcock
    BBC Sport at Elland Road

    This is an incredibly high profile appointment from Leeds United.

    Marcelo Bielsa hasn’t worked in England before but he’s coached the national sides of both his native Argentina and Chile, as well as spells with Athletic Bilbao and Marseille.

    He’s revered by Man City boss Pep Guardiola and Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino, with the latter calling him his “footballing father”.

    Leeds fans have endured a rollercoaster 14 years outside the Premier League and they will hope that the Argentine can bring an end to their top flight exile.

    There are some questions over whether his high energy, high pressing tactics will translate to a gruelling 46-game Championship season but his appointment has certainly brought a renewed sense of optimism to Elland Road.

  19. 'Welcome to the gloriously eccentric world of Marcelo Bielsa...'published at 13:48 British Summer Time 25 June 2018

    Tim Vickery
    BBC Sport South American football expert

    Marcelo BielsaImage source, Getty Images

    Marcelo Bielsa's appointment is excellent news for Leeds.

    Providing he is given what he wants and the terms of the contract are respected, Bielsa will launch himself into the project with a maniacal frenzy, barely sleeping as he ploughs through videos of future opponents.

    Leeds players and fans now have a dream to be part of, and the Championship can boast the presence of one the most fascinating coaches in the global game.

    You can read Tim's full article on Bielsa here.

  20. Bienvenido Bielsapublished at 13:45 British Summer Time 25 June 2018

    Marcelo Bielsa during his time in charge of LilleImage source, Getty Images

    Ten days after being named new Leeds United boss, football's international man of mystery and prestige Marcelo Bielsa faces the media for the first time.

    Leeds fans are no stranger to big names and big reputations, but in ex-Argentina and Chile manager Bielsa they have a truly unique character - one who has a stadium named after him in his native Argentina, who is capable at sparking fan protests and who tends to evoke a cult-like following among supporters.

    The 62-year-old has commanded some of world football's greatest names on the World Cup stage, has an extensive CV at club level and is now about to start work in England's second division... no wonder they say he is a mysterious chap!

    We'll endeavour to bring you all the best bits from his maiden press conference from Elland Road at 14:00 BST.