Morning Leeds-in for 17 January: Even Guardiola was amazed by Bielsa’s analysis

The story about the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona during Marcelo Bielsa’s time at Athletic Bilbao is not just a funny anecdote.

The praise from Guardiola about how much Bielsa knew about Barca is amusing enough, but the more telling part of the story is just how much Bielsa feels like it was wasted because of the three goals that Athletic surrendered. To Barcelona. In a Copa del Rey final.

Bielsa is not only a fierce competitor and a football obsessive, but he’s also a humble perfectionist. He felt, and probably still feels, awful about that loss to one of the most expensive and successful sides in the history of world football. While coaching a team that was almost literally limited to players from its own youth Academy.

It’s almost a cliche at this point, but Leeds fans should feel grateful that Bielsa’s here.

On to the links.

Leeds United Links

Leeds are reportedly interested in Bristol City’s Republic of Ireland international winger Callum O’Dowda. [Through It All Together]

Marcelo Bielsa had a press conference today. [Through It All Together]

Here’s a transcript of everything he said during the press briefing. [Yorkshire Evening Post]

England and English Football Links

Southampton was knocked out of the FA Cup by Derby County. [St Mary’s Musings]

World Football Links

Toronto FC losing Victor Vasquez might be painful, but will it be worth it in the long run? [Waking the Red]

Juventus overcame AC Milan and won the Italian Supercoppa 1-0. [AC Milan Offside]

Recap of week 2 in Mexico’s Liga MX Femenil. [FMF State of Mind]

Atlético Madrid are out of the Copa del Rey after losing to Girona. [Into the Calderon]

Next season’s AS Roma’s kits leaked online. [Chiesa di Totti]