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Leeds United target Thiago Almada admits he ‘would like’ Marcelo Bielsa to be his coach
Highly rated Argentine youngster Thiago Almada has hinted he would be more than happy to get a chance at working under Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa, but also made it clear he has objectives to achieve at current club Velez Sarsfield first.
The attacker, who has been dubbed the ‘new Lionel Messi’ by some, has recently been linked with Leeds United in what would be an eye-catching piece of business from the newly-promoted club.
Almada made it clear that he would relish the chance to be trained under Bielsa.
“I would like Bielsa to direct me,” the 19-year-old , website. “My friends sent me that something came out about Bielsa, but I am calm. If it happens or not we wait and see. I don’t watch much soccer, but I saw some Leeds plays that appeared to me and I saw something similar to what we did in Vélez with (Gabriel) Heinze.”
Heinze was the head coach at Velez until April when he stepped aside, former Southampton boss Mauricio Pellegrino taking his place. The former Manchester United defender is a devout disciple of Bielsa’s coaching methods and teachings, so the transition would be relatively easy for the teenager.
However, Almada also made it clear he has unfinished business at his current club.
“Win something with Vélez, play for the National Team, and then obviously all Argentine soccer players that are just starting out would like to go to Europe.”
It appears that Almada would first like to win silverware with Velez, who are currently nine points behind league leaders Boca Juniors in the Argentine Primera Division. It also appears that the diminutive star has his eyes on an Argentina all-up before he gets a chance to head to Europe.
Almada has a release clause of €22 million (£20m), a fee that could hopefully circumvent any work permit issues for Leeds regarding this special talent.
But convincing him to turn his back on Velez at just 19-years-old could be a bigger challenge altogether.
However, hearing his admiration for Bielsa must give Leeds United fans hope that this wonderkid could actually be on his way to West Yorkshire this summer.