'He's NOT one of the best in the world' - Andy Cole disagrees with Liverpool boss on Marcelo Bielsa's qualities

The Argentine has drawn widespread acclaim for the job he has done since taking over at Elland Road in 2018, and made the shortlist for FIFA’s men’s coach of the year award.

Bielsa was ultimately beaten by Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, and while Cole has hailed his impact in Yorkshire, he has also questioned whether the 65-year-old is one of the best managers in the global game.

Speaking to the Target Man podcast, he said: “I really enjoy watching teams coached by Marcelo Bielsa and I think Leeds United have performed so incredibly well this season.

"He has done such a good job at Leeds and they’re playing football with the confidence of a team who have been in the Premier League for years.

“Bielsa is a really good manager and he always has his teams playing good football.

"I remember when he was at Athletic Bilbao and they were fantastic against Manchester United in the Europa League, beating Sir Alex Ferguson’s team home and away which I imagine hasn’t happened often.

"Having said that, I don’t buy into the hype and myth that he’s one of the best managers in the world.”

By contrast, Klopp made it very clear that he considers the Leeds manager to be one of the finest talents in the upper echelons of the game.

The Anfield boss said: "He's doing an incredible job at Leeds.

"[Not winning this award] doesn't say anything bad about Marcelo Bielsa, one of the most influential coaches in world football. I have never met anyone who had anything bad to say about him.

"He is known as a great football brain, winning an award or not does not make you a bad coach. My opinion doesn't change about him, he's an incredible, incredible coach."

Cole also reserved praise for Leeds duo Kalvin Phillips and Patrick Bamford, and admitted that he has been impressed with the manner in which both have adapted to life in the top flight.

“I’ve been really impressed with Kalvin Phillips in the Leeds United midfield this season”, the former striker said.

"He has dictated the play and he has earned his call-up to the England team so soon.

"I think Bamford has played very well so far too, which I admit has caught me by surprise.

"I wasn’t sure he had what it takes to be a success in the Premier League but he is proving me wrong so far.”

Looking ahead to Sunday’s clash against Manchester United, Cole unsurprisingly backed his former side to take all three points against the Whites – but is also forecasting an entertaining match.

He said: “I think Manchester United will have too much for Leeds United this weekend.

"Leeds have come into the Premier League with a lot of swagger and I’ve been very impressed with them, but they’re going through a little bit of a slump at the moment in getting results their performances maybe haven’t deserved.

"I don’t expect the game to be as tame as the Manchester derby at the weekend that’s for sure!”