Morning Leeds-in for 23 August: De Bock says nice things about Bielsa on his way out of Leeds

Well, it’s not everyday that a player who is sent out on loan has nice things to say about a manager that is the one to send him out on loan.

Laurens De Bock, however, noted that Marcelo Bielsa is a unique manager.

Speaking about his return to Belgium, De Bock said:

Under Bielsa I did not have to leave last month, but after the arrival of a new left-back I thought it better to go.

Bielsa has a lot of appeal, it is as if he invented football. I learned a lot from his vision and philosophy. Leeds was an adventure in itself and I feel like I’m coming back [to Belgium] a bit more mature.

It sounds like De Bock wants to make the move to Oostende and the Jupiler League permanent, and after his bad stint at Leeds, who can blame him? Hope it all works out for him and a permanent deal is able to be reached.

On to the links.

Leeds United Links

Reports from Mexico say that the Mexican football federation (FMF) refused to pay a $10 million release clause for Marcelo Bielsa. Oh, and Bielsa said he didn’t want to go either. [Through It All Together]

This is a great Marcelo Bielsa song. [Through It All Together]

Latest edition of the Mighty Whites Podcast is now available. [Through It All Together]

England and English Football Links

Aston Villa grab late equalizer to draw level with Brentford. [7500 to Holte]

World Football Links

Youth movement in women’s football in Mexico within Liga MX Femenil will payoff for years to come. [FMF State of Mind]

AC Milan reportedly looking to poach Arsenal CEO Ivan Gazidis to run Milan. [AC Milan Offside]

AS Roma looking to extend the contract of Daniele De Rossi. [Chiesa di Totti]

Club Tijuana drew 2-2 with Santos Laguna in LigaMX. [FMF State of Mind]

The “new” Austin, Texas, MLS team unveiled a truly embarrassing crest, team name, and team colors yesterday. The owners of the Columbus Crew SC are currently in court trying to force the team to move to Austin. [Massive Report]