Leeds United fans can watch the inside story on manager Marcelo Bielsa and how he became one of football’s most respected coaches this evening.
Sky Sports will be screening Bielsa: El Loco & Leeds straight after the Whites’ Championship clash with Stoke City today, and supporters will see how he made his journey from Argentina to Elland Road.
The documentary contains archive footage from his time in his homeland, and features contributions from Pep Guardiola and Mauricio Pochettino – just two of the people who regard Bielsa as a huge influence on their careers.
Described by Guardiola as the best coach he has ever seen, Bielsa has established himself as one of the most highly-respected coaches in the game during his 30-year career.
The documentary chronicles his early days coaching boyhood club Newell’s Old Boys, right through to his mission to get Leeds back into the Premier League.
It was during his time with Old Boys that former Tottenham boss Pochettino first came into contact with Bielsa, and a lasting impression was made.
"It was a period which was so important for Newell's Old Boys," Pochettino recalls.
"We dominated Argentine football with a different style and philosophy, not buying players but bringing them through from the academy.
“It was a massive success to win things in this way. I always feel a massive respect. Marcelo was like my football father."
Throughout his coaching career, Bielsa has put faith in the younger generation – a trait that can still be seen now at Elland Road.
He is known for his aggressive, high-energy brand of football, something which he has taken right through all of his teams, and he’s never been afraid to stick to his guns, even against some of the world’s top sides.
"Few managers in the world play the way Marcelo plays," Guardiola said.
“They are incredibly aggressive with so much movement, attacking and defending with a lot of people. I think he's the best, most well-prepared manager that I've ever seen in my life. His work ethic is incomparable."
Bielsa’s career has taken him from Argentina to Spain, into the international scene with his home country and Chile, and into the unknown with the likes of Lazio, Lille and, of course, Leeds.
The documentary takes a look at his time at Elland Road so far, including the high-profile ‘Spygate’ saga, falling at the final hurdle in his first season in charge, and his hunt for redemption this campaign.
Bielsa’s time in management has been littered with a number of near-misses, but with the Whites on the verge of making their long-awaited return to the top flight, he could be set to achieve one of his greatest feats in a distinguished career.
Bielsa: El Loco & Leeds will air on Sky Sports Football at 7.30pm this evening, right after Leeds’ clash with Stoke which begins at 4.30pm, with kick-off at 5pm.
