Way back in July 2020, in the heady aftermath of Leeds United’s long-awaited return to the Premier League, Trinity Leeds unveiled a tribute to the club’s enigmatic manager by renaming one of the shopping centre’s streets in his honour. Ever since, Marcelo Bielsa Way has thronged with shoppers and football fans alike – and today, the shopping centre has confirmed that the name won’t be going anywhere, even as Bielsa leaves the club.
All fairytales have got to end somewhere, and this one reached its conclusion over the weekend, as Marcelo Bielsa sadly departed Leeds United after a poor run of results. He’s since been replaced by former USA international and RB Leipzig coach Jesse Marsch, but the adoration our city feels for Bielsa remains, powered by memories of the good times he and his players brought back to Elland Road.
Trinity Leeds’ tribute to the cult hero is a fitting way to continue his legacy in the city, which endured even as the team started to drop down the table. Bielsa’s humility, and obvious love for both football and the city of Leeds, endeared him to a legion of fans – so despite both sides moving on to a new adventure, Leeds will continue to say ‘gracias Marcelo’ forever more.