Marcelo Bielsa: 'British coaches add something to the Premier League'

| 06 March 2021

The Argentinian's Leeds face West Ham and David Moyes on Monday night.

Leeds head coach Marcelo Bielsa believes West Ham counterpart David Moyes is among the managers who represent the best of British in the Premier League.

Bielsa, whose side will bid to derail the Hammers' Champions League challenge at the London Stadium on Monday, said he has been paying close attention to all the top flight's British managers.

"With respect to British coaches, I don't think Moyes is the only one who is doing well," Bielsa said.

"Just like the manager of Leicester (Brendan Rodgers), as well as Moyes, they're both good examples.

"I particularly look a lot at the British coaches, and from my point of view, they consistently add something to the Premier League."

Bielsa has crossed swords with all 10 British managers currently in the top flight this season, plus Frank Lampard who was sacked by Chelsea in January.

"The managers of Sheffield United (Chris Wilder) and Fulham (Scott Parker), without looking at their positions in the table, I think they've achieved things which are worth having a look at.

"The managers of Burnley (Sean Dyche) and Brighton (Graham Potter), they have styles which have consolidated those clubs in the top flight and that's worthy of note.

"The manager at Crystal Palace (Roy Hodgson), he manages all of the situations in the Premier League well. I'm probably forgetting a few others who also deserve to be recognised."

Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Kenny Dalglish are the only British managers to win the Premier League title since its inaugural season in 1992/3 and most of the accolades have been reserved for those from overseas.

Argentinian Bielsa said he had not been aware of any jealousy towards him since arriving in England in 2018 and typically played down his own contribution.

"Given that it's the Premier League, the league is so diversified with regards to owners and managers, it's natural that there are managers from all over the world," he said.

"I haven't felt rejected in my time that I've been here. To be in mid-table or below mid-table, I don't think is something that deserves to be valued."

Bielsa could recall Rodrigo to his squad for Monday night's game in the capital after he scored both goals for Leeds' under-23s in a 2-0 win against Wolves on Friday.

The Spain forward, who has missed Leeds' last six matches, played the first 45 minutes after recovering from a groin injury sustained at the end of January.

Ian Poveda could also return to contention. The winger was a half-time substitute for the under-23s after recently being sidelined with an ankle injury.

Kalvin Phillips, absent for four games due to a calf problem, and Jamie Shackleton (groin) are not expected to feature at West Ham having played no part for the under-23s.