The Leeds United transformation under Marcelo Bielsa is one of the most compelling stories in modern football. It’s a tale of intense training, radical lifestyle changes, and a philosophical shift that has taken a sleeping giant to the brink of the Premier League. We go beyond the results for an exclusive, in-depth look at life under El Loco, as told by the players living it every single day.
The Bielsa Method: More Than Just Madness
The impact of Marcelo Bielsa at Elland Road cannot be overstated. It’s a complete cultural overhaul, and the players are the first to admit it. His methods, often described as relentless, have forged a squad capable of competing at the highest intensity for the full duration of a match.
Kalvin Phillips, the homegrown midfield engine, sheds light on the unique manager-player dynamic. “We don’t really speak too much directly,” Phillips reveals, highlighting the role of the translator. “He’ll show us videos before training, and sometimes he’ll try some English, get halfway through, and then get a translator over. I think his English is definitely better than what he makes out!” But the communication is crystal clear where it matters most: on the training pitch and with the infamous weight targets. “He is on my case about my weight all the time!” Phillips adds with a laugh.
Captain Liam Cooper emphasizes the transformative physical journey. “When I signed I was weighing in around 92kg, now I’m more like 81kg. You never think your body can do what it does. Since he’s come in he has changed the whole way the club works. It is chalk and cheese.” This sentiment is echoed by defender Luke Ayling, who feels the change has extended his career. “I feel fitter than ever and can run up and down for the full 90 minutes. It shows in how much I get into the attacking third… I feel I can do a lot more and play for a few more years than I could before.”
Unforgettable Moments: Birmingham and the 100th Anniversary
Every promotion-chasing season is defined by key moments, and for this Leeds squad, two chaotic encounters with Birmingham City stand out. The first was a historic 1-0 win at Elland Road in October, marking the club’s 100th anniversary. The occasion was made perfect when academy graduate and lifelong fan Kalvin Phillips scored the winner.
“The atmosphere before that game was something I’d never experienced in my life,” Phillips recalls fondly. “The crowd and everything made it such a special day. Then for me to go out and score the winning goal is something I’ll never forget. It will go down in the history books.”
The return fixture at St. Andrew’s was pure footballing madness—a 5-4 victory sealed by a last-minute own goal. Captain Cooper remembers the rollercoaster of emotions. “I was raging in that game! I don’t think we’ve ever conceded such bad goals, and scored such brilliant ones.” Despite the thrilling win, his leadership instincts kicked in. “We had a team talk at the end and I said to the lads to make sure this never happens again. It was a great way to win but we don’t want many of them. I’d like to stick to just winning 1-0.”
For Ayling, who had a stellar personal performance, it was simply “mental.” He jokes, “It was actually a decent game for me! I scored a nice goal and set up a couple. It wasn’t bad.”
The Pride of Wearing the White Shirt
The connection between the players and the club runs deep. For Cooper and Phillips, it’s a dream realized. Cooper, whose family supported other clubs, chose Leeds for himself. “To walk in as a player in 2014, then become captain of the club you support – you have to pinch yourself really. It’s a job I take a lot of pride in.” He even sees a future captain in Phillips, a sentiment that underscores the strong leadership core at the club.
Phillips feels the weight of the city’s expectation. “It was the sort of thing you don’t think much of when you’re younger, but now I’m playing you realise how badly it needs to get back into the top flight. We’re a one-club city and it would be massive.” He draws inspiration from past heroes like Viduka and Kewell, aiming to replicate their success.
Even Luke Ayling, an adopted northerner, has fully embraced the Leeds identity. “My little girl was born here and I’m a northerner now!” he declares. “I just enjoy being here. It’s a nicer, slower way of living. I live in a village where everyone says morning and looks out for you. You don’t get that down south!”
Learning from Adversity: The Phillips Red Card
Even the best seasons have low points. For Kalvin Phillips, his was a moment of frustration against QPR—a wild lunge that earned a red card and a three-match suspension. Leeds lost two of those games without their midfield linchpin.
“I missed playing in those three games and I was gutted sat in the stands,” Phillips admits. “I wanted to be on the pitch and help the lads.” His teammates, while acknowledging the mistake, also defended his passionate nature. Cooper noted, “I think, even if we were 1-0 up, Kalvin would still make that tackle. If you take that part out of his game you take out a lot of him. He plays on the edge sometimes, and that’s like some of the best players in the world.”
Ayling recounted the dressing room reaction: “We just ignored him! I went in after and said ‘Kal, you’ve been silly’.” But what impressed Ayling most was Phillips’ character. “To be fair to him, he never made excuses. He said sorry and that he had been stupid. It shows his character that he knew he had done wrong.”
A Right-Back’s Claim for Goal of the Season
In a season full of highlights, Luke Ayling’s stunning volley against Huddersfield stands out as a moment of pure technical brilliance, especially coming from a right-back. He’s rightly proud of it. “I think I’m up for two of the top three goals of the season! That isn’t bad for a right-back,” he jokes.
When asked about competition from teammates, like Tyler Roberts’ goal against Hull, Ayling playfully stands his ground. “I’m a bit confused and I don’t know what people are seeing! For me there is only one winner.” His celebration of the goal has continued long after the final whistle. “I’ve watched it every day since. In the first week I watched it 30 times every day on repeat… I’d put it on one last time and get a bit of an elbow from the missus telling me to go to sleep! But I’ll probably never score a goal like that again.”
Inside Leeds United: Bielsa’s Revolution Through the Eyes of His Players
The story of Leeds United’s resurgence is a powerful blend of tactical genius, physical transformation, and deep emotional connection. Under Marcelo Bielsa, players have been pushed beyond their perceived limits, forging a unit that plays with passion, intensity, and a never-say-die attitude. From the highs of last-minute winners to the lessons learned from costly mistakes, this squad has grown together. As the season reaches its climax, one thing is certain: the lessons learned and the bonds formed under Bielsa will define this club for years to come.
What has been your favorite moment of Leeds United’s season? Do you think Luke Ayling’s goal should win goal of the season? Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments below, and for more exclusive insights and expert analysis, stay tuned to Jeetbuzz.
