The new Premier League season kicks off today, with newly-promoted Leeds traveling to Anfield to face the champions, Liverpool and former England striker turned popular football pundit Gary Lineker has hailed Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa ahead of the 2020-21Premier League campaign.
The Whites succeeded in the final stages of last season to make a return to the top-flight after a long gap of 16 years, and Premier League fans are understandably eager to see how they perform after their mesmerizing performance last season in the Championship under the capable auspices of Argentine coach Marcelo Bielsa.
Lineker has claimed that Bielsa’s side have a better chance of staying up rather than the other two newly-promoted clubs, West Bromwich Albion and Fulham, while expressing his fascination to see how Leeds perform under the legendary Argentine in the Premier League this season.
Leeds lost to Mikel Arteta’s hugely revitalised Gunners in the FA Cup but not without leaving a strong impression in that match. The BBC pundit has claimed that there is “something of the ‘mad genius’ about” Bielsa.
“Of the new boys, I think Leeds have the best chance of staying up,” Lineker wrote for The Sun.
“It’s great to see them back in the top flight after a 16-year absence and I’m fascinated to see how manager Marcelo Bielsa does.
“There is something of the ‘mad genius’ about the Argentine but his team were brilliant against Arsenal in the FA Cup last season.
“I can’t wait to see more of them against the big boys and what a way to start for them — away at Anfield, the home of the champions.”
Leeds have been impressive in the summer transfer market, having signed two quality players Robin Koch and Rodrigo, with the latter being the club’s record-signing.
The Whites are expected to further delve into the transfer market with Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani claiming they have some £35-50m left in their kitty to spend.