Marcelo Bielsa: A Look At The Teams He Has Managed

Marcelo Bielsa, affectionately known as "El Loco" (The Crazy One), is a legendary figure in the world of football. His tactical genius, unwavering principles, and passionate approach to the game have captivated fans and influenced countless coaches. But what teams has this enigmatic manager actually led? Let's delve into the coaching career of Marcelo Bielsa, exploring the clubs and national teams he has guided, and the impact he has left on each.

Early Career in Argentina

Bielsa's managerial journey began in his native Argentina, where he honed his tactical philosophy and established his reputation as a visionary coach. His early years were marked by a commitment to attacking football, meticulous preparation, and a relentless pursuit of perfection.

Newell's Old Boys

His first major role came with Newell's Old Boys, a club close to his heart, in the early 1990s. Bielsa's Newell's Old Boys team was a force to be reckoned with, playing with an intensity and attacking flair that was rarely seen in Argentine football at the time. He instilled a high-pressing, possession-based style of play that would become his trademark. Under his guidance, Newell's won two league titles, the 1990–91 Primera División and the 1992 Clausura, and reached the final of the Copa Libertadores in 1992, narrowly losing to São Paulo on penalties. This period cemented Bielsa's status as a rising star in the coaching world, showcasing his ability to transform a team and instill a winning mentality. His impact on Newell's was so profound that the club later named their stadium in his honor, a testament to the deep connection he forged with the team and its supporters. His legacy at Newell's extends beyond trophies; he cultivated a culture of hard work, tactical innovation, and unwavering belief, principles that would define his entire career. This early success at Newell's Old Boys laid the foundation for his future endeavors, demonstrating his potential to revolutionize football and inspire generations of players and coaches.

Atlas & América

Following his successful spell at Newell's, Bielsa ventured into Mexican football, taking charge of Atlas in 1992 and then Club América in 1995. While his time in Mexico didn't yield any major trophies, it provided him with valuable experience and further refined his tactical ideas. At Atlas, he continued to implement his high-pressing, attacking style, working with young players and developing their potential. His focus on player development and tactical innovation was evident even in these early stages of his career. Although his tenure at both clubs was relatively short, Bielsa's influence on Mexican football should not be underestimated, as he introduced new training methods and tactical approaches that were later adopted by other coaches. These experiences broadened his understanding of the game and prepared him for future challenges. Despite the lack of silverware, his time in Mexico was a crucial learning period that shaped his coaching philosophy and contributed to his growth as a manager. Bielsa's commitment to his principles remained unwavering, even in a different cultural and footballing environment, demonstrating his dedication to his vision of the game. These experiences in Mexico added further depth to his coaching resume, demonstrating his adaptability and willingness to embrace new challenges.

Vélez Sársfield

Returning to Argentina, Bielsa managed Vélez Sársfield in 1997 and 1998, where he once again demonstrated his ability to build a winning team. With Vélez, he won the 1998 Clausura title, showcasing his tactical acumen and motivational skills. Bielsa's Vélez team was characterized by its relentless work ethic, tactical flexibility, and attacking prowess. He instilled a sense of belief and determination in his players, leading them to overcome challenges and achieve success. His time at Vélez further solidified his reputation as one of Argentina's most promising coaches. His commitment to developing young talent was also evident during his tenure, as he provided opportunities for emerging players to showcase their abilities. Bielsa's impact on Vélez Sársfield was significant, leaving a lasting legacy of success and tactical innovation. This period reinforced his status as a top-tier manager and paved the way for his eventual appointment as the coach of the Argentine national team. His success at Vélez Sársfield highlighted his ability to transform a team into a championship contender, solidifying his reputation as a top-tier manager.

National Team Management

Bielsa's success at the club level led to his appointment as the coach of the Argentine national team, a role he held from 1998 to 2004. This was a defining period in his career, where he had the opportunity to implement his vision on a national stage.

Argentina

As the manager of the Argentine national team, Bielsa led Argentina to the 2002 FIFA World Cup, although their campaign ended in disappointment as they were eliminated in the group stage. However, he achieved significant success by winning the gold medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics. Bielsa's tenure with Argentina was marked by his commitment to attacking football and his meticulous attention to detail. He implemented a high-pressing, possession-based style of play that was both exciting and effective. Despite the World Cup setback, his overall record with Argentina was impressive, and he is credited with laying the foundation for the team's future success. The Olympic gold medal was a testament to his ability to build a cohesive and motivated team, capable of achieving great things. Bielsa's influence on Argentine football extends beyond results; he instilled a sense of pride and passion in the players and fans, and he inspired a generation of coaches with his innovative tactical ideas. His time with the Argentine national team was a complex and transformative period, marked by both success and disappointment, but ultimately leaving a lasting impact on the country's footballing landscape. He also coached the team during the 2002 FIFA World Cup qualification, in which they finished top of the CONMEBOL group, ahead of Ecuador, Brazil, and Paraguay.

Chile

After a brief hiatus from coaching, Bielsa took charge of the Chilean national team in 2007. His impact on Chilean football was profound, as he transformed the team into a competitive force and instilled a new sense of belief and ambition. Under his leadership, Chile qualified for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, their first appearance in the tournament since 1998. Bielsa's Chile team was known for its high-energy, attacking style of play, and its commitment to pressing and winning the ball back quickly. He fostered a strong team spirit and instilled a winning mentality in his players. His time with Chile is widely regarded as one of the most successful periods in the country's footballing history. Bielsa's influence extended beyond the national team, as he inspired a generation of Chilean players and coaches. His tactical innovations and his commitment to developing young talent had a lasting impact on Chilean football. His work with the Chilean national team revitalized the country's football program and laid the groundwork for their subsequent success in international competitions. He left a legacy of tactical innovation, player development, and unwavering belief that continues to inspire Chilean football to this day.

Return to Club Management in Europe

After his successful stint with Chile, Bielsa returned to club management in Europe, seeking new challenges and opportunities to implement his tactical ideas.

Espanyol

In 2011, Bielsa was appointed as the coach of Espanyol, but his tenure was short-lived as he resigned before the season even began due to disagreements with the club's management. Despite his brief time at Espanyol, his appointment generated excitement among fans who were eager to see his tactical approach implemented. However, differences in vision and strategy led to his departure, leaving supporters wondering what could have been. Although his time at Espanyol was fleeting, it demonstrated his desire to return to club management in Europe and continue to challenge himself in new environments. This brief stint served as a prelude to his subsequent roles in Europe, where he would have a more significant impact. His brief tenure at Espanyol, though ultimately unsuccessful, highlighted his unwavering commitment to his coaching principles and his desire to find a club that shared his vision for the game.

Athletic Bilbao

Bielsa's time at Athletic Bilbao from 2011 to 2013 was a memorable one, as he led the team to the finals of both the Copa del Rey and the UEFA Europa League in his first season. Although they lost both finals, his Athletic Bilbao team was widely praised for its exciting, attacking style of play and its ability to compete with some of the best teams in Europe. Bielsa's impact on Athletic Bilbao was significant, as he transformed the team into a dynamic and competitive force. He instilled a high-pressing, possession-based style of play that was both effective and entertaining. His ability to motivate and inspire his players was evident in their performances on the field. Despite not winning any trophies, his time at Athletic Bilbao is remembered fondly by fans, who appreciated his commitment to attacking football and his ability to challenge the established order. His tenure at Athletic Bilbao showcased his tactical genius and his ability to create a cohesive and competitive team, solidifying his reputation as one of the most innovative coaches in the world.

Marseille

In 2014, Bielsa took over as the coach of Marseille, where he quickly became a cult figure among the fans. His Marseille team was known for its attacking flair and its commitment to playing attractive football. Despite leading the league standings for a significant portion of the season, Marseille ultimately finished fourth, missing out on Champions League qualification. However, Bielsa's impact on the club was undeniable, as he revitalized the team and brought a renewed sense of excitement to the Stade Vélodrome. His tactical innovations and his passionate approach to the game resonated with the fans, who appreciated his commitment to playing attacking football. His time at Marseille was marked by both success and frustration, but his legacy as a transformative figure remains intact, solidifying his status as a cult hero among the club's supporters.

Lazio

Similar to Espanyol, Bielsa's time at Lazio was incredibly short, resigning just two days after being appointed in 2016 due to disagreements with the club's management over transfer policy. This further cemented his reputation as a manager who was unwilling to compromise on his principles, even if it meant leaving a job before it had even begun. His brief and abrupt departure from Lazio highlighted his unwavering commitment to his vision for the team and his refusal to accept conditions that he believed would hinder its success. Although he never actually managed a game for Lazio, the episode served as a reminder of his strong convictions and his willingness to stand up for what he believes in, even at personal cost. His fleeting association with Lazio further emphasized his reputation as a manager of principle, unwilling to compromise his vision for the sake of a job.

Lille

Bielsa's tenure at Lille in 2017 was also short-lived, as he was suspended and later terminated by the club after a poor run of results. His time at Lille was marked by tactical experimentation and a focus on developing young players, but ultimately his methods did not translate into success on the field. Despite the disappointing results, Bielsa's commitment to his principles remained unwavering, and he continued to implement his attacking style of play. However, his inability to turn the team's fortunes around led to his departure. His spell at Lille was a challenging period in his career, highlighting the difficulties of implementing his tactical vision in a new environment and the importance of achieving results in the cutthroat world of professional football.

Leeds United

Bielsa's arrival at Leeds United in 2018 marked a turning point in the club's history. He transformed the team into a high-pressing, attacking force, and in 2020, he led Leeds to the Championship title, ending their 16-year absence from the Premier League. His impact on Leeds was profound, as he not only improved the team's performance but also instilled a new sense of belief and ambition in the players and fans. Bielsa's Leeds team was known for its relentless work ethic, its tactical flexibility, and its commitment to playing attacking football. He became a cult hero at Elland Road, and his legacy at Leeds United is secure as the man who brought the club back to the Premier League. His time at Leeds United was a resounding success, showcasing his ability to transform a team and instill a winning mentality, cementing his status as a managerial legend.

Uruguay

Marcelo Bielsa is currently managing the Uruguay national team since 2023. His appointment as manager of Uruguay has generated excitement among fans, who are eager to see what he can achieve with the national team. His tenure has just begun, and the future looks bright for Uruguay under his guidance. Only time will tell what kind of impact Bielsa will have on Uruguayan football, but his arrival has undoubtedly brought a renewed sense of optimism and anticipation. His leadership of Uruguay promises to be an exciting chapter in his already illustrious career, as he seeks to bring his tactical genius and passionate approach to a new challenge.

Conclusion

Marcelo Bielsa's managerial career has been a fascinating journey, marked by tactical innovation, unwavering principles, and a passionate commitment to the game. From his early days in Argentina to his current role with Uruguay, Bielsa has left an indelible mark on every team he has managed. His influence extends beyond trophies and titles, as he has inspired countless players and coaches with his visionary approach to football. "El Loco" may be known for his eccentric personality, but his tactical genius is undeniable, and his legacy as one of the greatest coaches of all time is secure. Whether you agree with his methods or not, there's no denying the impact Marcelo Bielsa has had on the beautiful game. His dedication to his principles and his unwavering belief in his vision have made him a true original, and his influence will continue to be felt for generations to come.