Marcelo Bielsa refuses to set targets as he is made Leeds United boss
Marcelo Bielsa has spoken for the first time since being appointed as Leeds United's new head coach, and refused to set targets for his first season in charge.
The 62-year-old has embarked on his first job in English football after signing a two-year deal with the option of a third season to replace Paul Heckingbottom 10 days ago.
The former Argentina and Chile boss was Leeds' top target in their quest to end their 14-year Premier League exile, and it was an appointment met with delight by the Elland Road faithful.
On the decision to join the Leeds, Bielsa stated: "I had to convince myself. I was convinced by the strength of Leeds United as a club and institution and on-the-field the possibilities it has.
"I looked at things from a football point of view, those things together came about to help me make my choice."
There's a great deal of hope and expectation is present from the Leeds fanbase, but Bielsa refused to draw upon creating targets already.
New Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa speaks to @TomC_22 about the club and their tough opening fixtures following his appointment at Elland Road.#LUFC pic.twitter.com/fa8jcLSq0I
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"It's imprudent to promise something which you know can never be guaranteed," Bielsa said via his translator.
"At the same time, not to dream about that would be impossible. What drives you is having that hope, desire and belief that you can achieve what everyone wants.
"Setting objectives, parameters in advance - I don't think it's the ideal message of support. The users of these messages are the fans.
"The history of this club, everyone knows how to measure success or failure at the end of the season.
"If you try to predict the future you're almost becoming a demi-god rather than a football coach."
Bielsa is renowned for his attacking style of football. When asked what the fans can expect to see - he added: "We have an obligation as managers to put in place what we believe and what is right. I believe that the players will interpret this.
"The players have enough ability to put my thoughts and beliefs into action. As regards to what fans can expect – I think they want to see it out there on-the-field rather than what might happen.
"I want my players to not be scared to get on the ball and play – to spend time with possession of the ball.
"I play the kind of football with the ball on the ground, transitions from defence to further forward – keeping it on the ground.
"I think they’ll (the fans) see loyalty and faith on what we’ve worked on in training to out there on the field.
"This is what we’re aiming at, our intention at this stage. I think it’s about learning about situations, how to deal when they’re not on top and they’re not winning, taking on our ideas to win the game."
Bielsa admitted that there wouldn't be a huge influx of new signings, but there will be additions. "For the moment, we’re not intending to bring too many in," he said
"In terms of the way things are run – I get names from Victor Orta here at the club, I then give my opinion on those players he mentions to me and if we can arrive at an agreement, that we’re on the same page, that’s when the process starts.
"The club have got 15 players more than they need and we still have four or five positions on the field where we need to strengthen."
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola and Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino have previously spoken about Bielsa's influence on their careers.
Discussing if he'd had any conversations with the duo, the Leeds boss admitted: "I've not had a physical conversation with them, but I’m aware what they have said in the media, almost all the time, I’m aware about what they say.
"As you’re aware, those two guys are in love with the English game. So everything I’ve seen from comments they’ve made have always been absolutely very positive.
Whilst he has been managing at club level in recent years, Bielsa was in charge of Argentina between 1998 and 2004.
Jorge Sampaoli's men could be eliminated at the group stage of this World Cup in Russia, but the new Leeds manager has expressed his faith that they will come good this tournament.
"I think we’re gonna see the best of Argentina from tomorrow onwards," he said, "I firmly believe in the quality of the players, in particular in Messi’s leadership which will come to the fore and be evident.
"I’m convinced by the knowledge of the backroom staff and the management team and that’s going to show as well.
"I think that the two matches we’ve seen so far they’ll use as a grounding for a response. They’ll learn from those two games in a positive way moving forward."
"I have got a huge amount of faith in the coach and the backroom staff, and the players, I’m convinced you’ll see, from tomorrow, the real Argentina."
Negotiations with the West Yorkshire club took a number of weeks to reach a conclusion. Explaining why those talks went on for a prolonged period of time, Bielsa stated: "I'm very careful in these processes.
"Having spoke to Victor Orta and the President (Andrea Radrizzani), I found two people who are very keen to see a change in the direction the club is moving in - in a football sense.
"I’m very conscious that they wouldn’t promise something they couldn’t fulfil. I wanted everything to be described from the word go so I wasn’t surprised further down the line."
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