Former New Zealand manager Anthony Hudson is just one example of how far Leeds United head coach Marcelo Bielsa’s influence has spread in world football.
It’s not just the likes of Mauricio Pochettino and Pep Guardiola who have followed the legendary Argentinian’s example, but less high-profile coaches around the world too.
Hudson, 38, is an English-American football manager who has enjoyed an eclectic career in football management. After not quite making it as a professional in spells at West Ham United and Luton Town, he began coaching at an early age.
After a brief stint in charge of Newport County, Hudson has since managed Bahrain, New Zealand and most recently MLS side Colorado Rapids.
In a recent interview with talkSPORT, he explained how he was intoxicated by Bielsa’s unique brand of attacking, pressing football.
“Years ago, I remember [Athletic] Bilbao playing Manchester United. It was [Sir] Alex Ferguson’s team in the Europa League and honestly to this day, I’ve never seen a team, this Bilbao team. They were unbelievable.
“The football they played. You see the football Leeds play now. It was that type, but it was the best I’ve ever seen, the running, the football, the crowds, everything.
“I just fell in love with his team. So I’ve been everywhere to watch. I went to Marseille and spent some time there.”
“I remember watching his Bilbao team... I just fell in love.”
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) September 3, 2019
“For me, Marcelo Bielsa is one of the greatest coaches.”
Ex-New Zealand boss Anthony Hudson on his love for #LUFC ’s Bielsa
*Video features a brilliant story about #THFC ’s Pochettino! pic.twitter.com/x2XDC4naVs
Leeds United supporters are just the latest to fall in love with Bielsa’s football, and he still enjoys cult favourite status in Argentina, Chile, Bilbao and Marseille.
Fans of his former clubs have flocked to Elland Road over the past year to see his latest project in the flesh.
Bielsa’s Bilbao famously knocked Ferguson’s United out of the Europa League on their run to the final in 2013, winning 5-3 on aggregate in a two-legged performance that’s remembered as one of the archetypal examples of Bielsista football.
“For me, he’s one of the greatest coaches,” he said.
“His methods, the way he gets his philosophy across is like I’ve never seen before.
“He’s class. I’m so glad he’s in England now and people are seeing what he’s like.”
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