Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has previously labelled Everton-linked managerial candidate Marcelo Bielsa as “one of the best”. Frank Lampard was sacked as Everton manager following a run of one win in 14 matches which came to a head after Jarrod Bowen’s double in West Ham’s 2-0 win. The City boss hasn’t been shy in his admiration of the 67-year-old. “I love him as a human being,” Guardiola said previously. The Spanish manager was an admirer of Bielsa and travelled over 5,000 miles in 2006 when he was still playing for Mexican side Dorados de Sinaloa.
Pep Guardiola said: “He trained me when I was young in an incredible way. His success, I feel it like my success. Everyone who works with him is a better player, and the teams are better. That’s why he is a special manager and special person. I’m a supporter of Leeds, and hopefully next season they can be in the Premier League. It would be good for the Premier League. I admire him for being the Argentina manager and being at big clubs and have the humility to go in the Championship going to a historic team like Leeds, put them on top and back to the Premier League. I wish him all the best.”
Guardiola’s hopes of Bielsa joining him in the Premier League came to fruition when he lead Liam Cooper, Kalvin Phillips and co to the English top-flight ending their 16-year absence. The Argentine’s side joined the likes of Everton brandishing an eye-catching method of football – better known as Bielsaball.
Pep Guardiola said: “He has done an exceptional job. He is unique in world football because of the special way he plays. I learned a lot about his style, his final product. He’s an incredible person, so special.”
Reports have suggested that Bielsa is open to a return to the Premier League following his sacking at Elland Road in February 2022. Guardiola’s previous thoughts will paint a reflection of what sort of presence he can bring to Goodison Park.
Pep Guardiola added: “It will be incredible for English football to have him in the Premier League next season. Winning titles helps to have a job next season but at the end of your life, what you remember is not the titles you have won, what you remember is the memories you have and whether the manager taught you a lot. What we remember are the experiences and the memories, the players you have had, the managers you have had. Marcelo is at the top of the list. Absolutely at the top of the list.”
