Andrea Radrizzani interview: Leeds owner on why he sacked Marcelo Bielsa

Radrizzani said he had to decide on 'either dying with Bielsa or someone else' - did he make the right call? 👇

Refreshingly honest from Radrizzani in this interview, my respect for him has gone up a notch after this. Naming the training ground after Bielsa is a great idea and very fitting given his legacy with the club, players and fans

Didn't mention the injuries or lack of squad depth & no January transfers . Got lucky last season, Marcelo delivered what he promised & some.

That was a beautiful interview. I think, without question, Marcello Bielsa is the kind of manager that anyone from any club, fan, supporter of football or owner and of course National Team aficionados would pay money, watch on TV or get excited about. The guy is a visionary a true legend of the game still.

You could tell Marcelo Bielsa was really hurt about the sacking.

This man 💛💙 and everything he has done for our Club .. incredible

Ultimately he's judged by results and we survived so history will say it was the right call. Whilst for many Bielsa's legend will be the journey and return to the Premiership, for me it is about Bielsa as a man for his ability to develop players and his demeanour at all times, the epitome of respect and consideration. I hope Jesse can take the team forward again with the new signings!

Wish we could have something like this with Roman Abramovich, the stories would be amazing.

Great owner. When he speaks you can tell it comes from an authentic voice. You believe him when he tells you how hard it was for him to sack Bielsa.

From a crazy Italian to a sensible, well spoken, well intentioned Italian - top man Andrea!!

We became so easy to play against. Everyone knew how to play against us. Bielsa did not want to change. That was the problem. Bielsa was prepared to die by the sword and sadly would of taken us with him. We shall see how we go with Jesse.

Patrick bamford, phillips, cooper , dallas , many of the star players were injured during bielsa reign eventually the team did not perform as much . But leeds would be still in EPL if Bielsa was still there

This interview(s) was amazing, I hope that The Athletic is able to do more of them!

Comedy moments listening back to this. 4 mins in he said 'he felt for the fans' yet sacked Bielsa anyhow despite 85% support. Says the players couldn't achieve what Bielsa wanted them to. Hmm, that's because mentally they were EFL players cos you hadn't given him a new midfield since Bielsa arrived at the club, despite him leading the club to a 9th place finish. Rodrigo could not play in mf, Phillips was injured, Dallas was a converted winger, Forshaw's career was over and Klich had lost the legs . . . what were your expectations Radz? Miracles. This interview really sums up how out of touch you were with the situation.

Great insights. What an interview. Well played Athletic.

Very good Interview from Radz Very honest. Not always been a fan of his because of his mistakes, But without his investment we wouldn't be in the EPL.

Just wanted to add, if you have a subscription to The Athletic then have a read through Phil's article covering this interview. There's more questions covered that didn't get released with the videos. Also have a listen to the Square Ball podcast interview with Angus.

It's been well documented that the reason we had no players is due to Marcelos high requirements. The players he did want weren't available for the money Leeds were prepared to pay in January and the ones Radz and Orta were after he wasn't interested in. Example: Brendan Aaronsson was sought after in January by Leeds and turned down in that window. No doubt Bielsa got a lot out of an average Championship side, but if we stayed with him Bielsa would have taken us down. How many times were we 3-0 down within 30 mins? It was embarrassing, totally demoralising and there was no sign of change in methods of practicality. The players were completely drained and the injury list was evidence of that. The one on one defending was abysmal from day one and never changed. Finally, even Bielsa has admitted publicly that his methods cannot work with the same group of players after 3-4 years - you either change the manager or get a completely fresh group - there was no chance of the latter, financially impossible, so he had to leave. It was the correct call, even if it was the most painful one. Bielsa fanatics need to get real with the realities of modern day football. Leeds would be in the Championship if it weren't for Radz' cool head and decision making with the sacking.

Very good interview. It is nice for an owner to be more honest about club dealings with fans.

Never understood the hate for radz. He has made mistakes and had a near shock with relegation. But he is the best owner we have had at the club. And got us back to premier League. I do wish he would push more on transfers, but we not a super rich club, but a few more signings are needed.