Football
The return of a legend? Premier League team tries to lure popular Argentine coach
The Premier League is full of quality coaches, however, one highly respected one had to pack it in last season. But now there is talk of his return. After Leeds, he could try to wake up another team. Will Marcelo Bielsa see a return to England?
The Premier League is full of quality coaches, however, one highly respected one had to pack it in last season. But now there is talk of his return. After Leeds, he could try to wake up another team. Will Marcelo Bielsa see a return to England?
Bournemouth fought their way back into the English elite last season, but so far they are not doing as well as they would have expected. In 14 games, they have only won three times and are in the last non-relegation place.
It is worth mentioning that Scott Parker was sacked as coach back in August. The team is currently led by interim coach Gary O’Neil. However, the 39-year-old Englishman has not improved the team much and so it is not surprising that the team from the south coast of England is looking elsewhere.
According to the English media, the Premier League could see a spectacular comeback. One of the available coaches at the moment is Marcelo Bielsa, the acclaimed Argentine strategist who became a Leeds legend in less than four years.
Indeed, Bielsa managed to return Leeds United to the Premier League after sixteen long years. Moreover, in his first season with the team, he troubled almost all opponents and the team only missed the cup positions by a few points.
But the second season was not so good. Leeds struggled and in February the Argentine was dismissed. He has been out of contract ever since. Fans were hurt and annoyed by the break-up. Bielsa, thanks to his character, became an idol. His return to the Premier League will surely be appreciated by many.
Bournemouth have already contacted Bielsa about a possible collaboration, according to English media including Sky Sports and The Mirror.
However, it is questionable whether Bielsa will even accept the risky job. After all, he wouldn’t have an easy time keeping a team in the Premier League. Moreover, his predecessor Parker had criticised the club’s transfer policy before his time at the club.
Bournemouth, among other things, hold sovereign last place in terms of the value of the squad. In any case, given the upcoming break for the World Cup and the winter transfer period, the current is the best time to get a new coach.
Source: Sky Sports, The Mirror, Transfermarkt