Marcelo Bielsa is currently the manager of the Uruguay national football team. There are only a few managers who have changed the style and trajectory of football with their pragmatic tactics, and one of them is Argentine manager Marcelo Bielsa.
Marcelo Bielsa, a highly influential and widely respected football coach, has had a significant impact on many players he has coached, with several going on to become successful managers themselves. He is often cited as a mentor and inspiration by these former players.
Here is a list of some notable players coached by Marcelo Bielsa who have gone on to become coaches:
| Former Player Under Bielsa | Current/Notable Coaching Roles | Bielsa’s Influence |
|---|
| Mauricio Pochettino | Former manager of PSG, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, and others. Current manager of USMNT. | Considered Bielsa’s disciple, significantly influenced by his methods and philosophy. |
| Diego Simeone | Long-serving manager of Atlético Madrid, known for his Defensive-based tactical approach. | Known to be influenced by Bielsa’s passion and intense demands. |
| Marcelo Gallardo | Successful former coach of River Plate. | Gallardo’s approach is informed by his playing experiences under Bielsa. |
| Gerardo “Tata” Martino | Managed Barcelona, Argentina, and Mexico. Currently managing Inter Miami CF. | A key player for Bielsa and considered a “bielsista” in his coaching style. |
| Eduardo Berizzo | Coached several teams including Athletic Bilbao and the Paraguay national team. | Follower of Bielsa’s coaching principles. |
| Gabriel Heinze | Managed teams such as Vélez Sarsfield and Atlanta United. | Learned from Bielsa’s tactical approach. |
| Matías Almeyda | Currently the coach of the San Jose Earthquakes. | Inspired by Bielsa’s philosophy. |
Marcelo Bielsa’s Influence on his Players:
Many of these former players credit Bielsa with shaping their understanding of the game and instilling in them a deep passion and meticulous approach to coaching. Bielsa’s demanding style and unique methods, such as requiring players to study opponents and providing detailed tactical analysis, helped develop their football intelligence and preparation skills.
This emphasis on strategic planning and individual player development has become a cornerstone for many of his disciples as they embarked on their own coaching careers.
It is believed that out of 280 retired players who had played under Marcelo Bielsa, 163 of them had become head coaches after retirement.
