The Argentine has set an exceptional standard, both on and off the pitch, for Whites bosses to come.
He delivered what, for many years, felt like the impossible dream for Leeds fans in securing the Whites' long-awaited promotion to the Premier League, while earning the admiration of the city and the club's global fanbase.
In his second season as a Premier League manager, faltering form forced Bielsa to defend the footballing principles he developed over his 40+ year career as a manager, but sticking to his guns proved costly.
In February, Leeds lost four league games in a row for the first time under Bielsa in a challenging string of results which put United's hard-fought top-flight status in peril, causing the the club and coach to part ways on Sunday February 27.
We’ve worked out where Bielsa ranks among the club’s best and worst managers over the last 30 years, in order of win percentage.
Included are every manager who’s directed the Whites on a matchday since 1991, caretakers and all.
19. Marcelo Bielsa - 47%
The Argentine achieved 80 wins in 170 games during his Elland Road tenure. To the majority of Whites fans, Bielsa was something of a non-entity when he arrived at the club in the summer of 2018. He soon found his way into the hearts of the Elland Road faithful for his humble ways and entertaining playing style. For achieving the long-awaited goal of promotion to the Premier League, Bielsa will never be forgotten. Photo: Stu Forster
20. Garry Monk - 47.2%
Monk had a dream start to life at Elland Road, picking up a nomination for Championship Manager of the Month in October 2016 and going toe-to-toe with Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool in the League Cup. The Whites held play-off spot for the majority of the 2016/2017 before capitulating in the final eight games, missing out on a shot at promotion by five points. Monk resigned in May 2017, two days after it was announced that Andrea Radrizzani had taken over the club. Photo: Dan Mullan
21. Simon Grayson - 49.7%
Grayson ‘s arrival seemed to herald the return to glorious form of bygone years, as 11 consecutive home wins matched a run achieved by Don Revie forty years previously. It wasn’t until the following season, though, that Grayson was able to make a name for himself as a Leeds legend. Fans will remember January 3rd 2010 as the day Grayson guided League One Leeds to FA Cup victory against rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford. He successfully restored Leeds’ Championship status in May 2010 and the Whites progressed well in tier two under Grayson before he was sacked in 2012. Photo: Michael Regan
22. David O'Leary - 49.8%
After serving two years as assistant manager to George Graham, O’Leary was promoted to head coach on Graham’s departure. O’Leary managed Leeds to third place in his first season at the helm, and the Whites subsequently reached the semi-finals of the Champions League the following year. Though it helped him achieve back to back top five finishes, O’Leary spent over £100 million on new players during his tenure which eventually caught up with the club. The Irish manager’s sacking signalled the beginning of the end of a golden period for Leeds United. Photo: Ross Kinnaird
23. Gary McAllister - 50%
The ex-Whites captain was made boss of his former club in January of 2008 when Dennis Wise’s departure caught the board unawares. Leeds did well under McAllister and narrowly missed out on promotion to the Championship when they lost the play-off final to Doncaster Rovers. A lacklustre start to the 2008/2009 season, featuring a tragic loss to non-league side Histon, meant McAllister was sacked at Christmas. Photo: Peter Norton