Leeds fan of 40 years heading to Wembley to thank Marcelo Bielsa, not to watch England | OneFootball

Matt Knowles is among scores of Leeds United supporters bound for Wembley on Friday, chiefly to salute Marcelo Bielsa rather than England. According to Leeds Live, the 70-year-old will be back on UK soil with Uruguay.

It is Bielsa’s first match in England since he left Leeds in 2022. After December’s announcement that Uruguay would visit Wembley this month, tickets went fast. For many Leeds fans this summer, Uruguay will be their second team at the World Cup.

Within his budget, Knowles has aimed for a seat near the away dugout to try to catch Bielsa’s eye and offer his thanks for his contributions at Leeds. He does not usually follow England or attend their matches, citing eye-watering prices, and while he will back his country, his trip is about Bielsa.

He is travelling with his son, Sam, and plans to wear a Newell’s Old Boys shirt, the Argentine club Bielsa first played for and managed, to catch his attention. He even hopes to call out his gratitude in Spanish.

Since leaving Elland Road, Bielsa has often made time for Leeds fans, and during Uruguay’s October friendly in Malaysia he took part in a Q&A with supporters. Knowles, who first went to Elland Road nearly 40 years ago, says Bielsa’s work at the club feels unbeatable and that the coach’s approach still captivates him.

Source: Leeds Live