Phil pulls back the curtain on the hallmarks that now define the Marcelo Bielsa era, from his gruelling training schedule – including his infamous ‘murderball’ sessions – to innovative tactical methods that elevated Championship regulars into Premier League stars. Maybe one day we'll get the Bielsa autobiography, or the one on one interview, and that would make for essential reading. I'm super biased (I love Bielsa's soccer and I loved watching this Leeds team), and I loved this book.

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I found the jumping around time-lines a little confusing at first and there were a few sentences that came across as a bit clunky and needed re-reading to fully understand. As an overseas Leeds United supporter, I learned at lot about the goings- on at the club in the last 3 years, things that it would probably have been hard to learn without living in Leeds. Please Note: By their very nature, all signed books will have been handled several times before they get to you.

By completing your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use and authorise Audible to charge your designated card or any other card on file. But I'm fascinated by Bielsa and the things he achieved at Leeds, particularly the dual feat of getting them promoted to the Premier League while making them more likeable to neutrals than they've ever been. On 27th February 2022, after 170 matches in charge, promotion to the Premier League and some of the most exhilarating football the English game has ever seen, Leeds United parted company with their most beloved and successful manager in a generation: Marcelo Bielsa.It's just the icing on the cake that Leeds happen to end 16 years of abject misery during the period the book covers. In guiding Leeds back to the promised land of the Premier League, he has transformed the club into a vastly more dynamic, entertaining and professional outfit, fully endearing himself to the Leeds faithful and capturing the imaginations of football fans around the world. I bought this just before he left the club, but it didn’t matter, I was just as keen to hear about this unusual and private man who was happy to give up lots of his own time to fans that he met on the street or in the supermarket or wherever. Phil pulls back the curtain on the hallmarks that now define the Marcelo Bielsa era, from his gruelling training schedule - including his infamous 'murderball' sessions - to innovative tactical methods that elevated Championship regulars into Premier League stars. In And it was Beautiful, The Athletic‘s Phil Hay chronicles Leeds United’s glorious first season back in the top flight – which saw them finish ninth – after a chaotic sixteen-year absence.

I love learning about the ins and outs of football clubs and obviously Bielsa's Leeds is the most interesting of all. When Marcelo Bielsa was appointed head coach of Leeds United in the summer of 2018, the club had just finished 13th in the Championship - their 15th consecutive season outside the top flight - and were defined as much by their excesses and disasters off. By using the Web site, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to be bound by the Terms and Conditions.In any case a great read to fully understand what Bielsa game to Leeds and I know fully understand what Bielsa widow is! THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES TOP TEN BESTSELLER The behind-the-scenes story of the Marcelo Bielsa revolution at Leeds United and their first season back in the Premier League after sixteen years of hurt.