Bielsa is a coaching genius who has improved almost every player at Leeds beyond recognition. He clearly believes in keeping a tight squad in which every member knows his role in a high pressing style, and the result is the club's best season in the last 15 years. The frustration is that a relatively small additional investment could have secured automatic promotion, although he was genuinely unlucky that the deal agreed with Swansea for Daniel James collapsed right on the January deadline leaving no time to find an alternative. While dropping into the play-offs will be mentally tough, Leeds look certain to finish third and then have the advantage of the second leg at home against Derby, Bristol City or Middlesbrough, leaving the tougher pairing of WBA and Aston Villa on the other side of the draw. A place in the final would be massive, although only the best form from the first half of the season would be good enough for the ultimate prize.
