Leeds United coach Marcelo Bielsa surprises young fans with gifts after they spotted him in Wetherby

The Argentine and his men have had a great start to the season, continuing where they left off in the Championship with their attacking, high-intensity style.

Bielsa's performance as manager has earned him the ongoing adoration of Leeds fans.

But his performances off the field continue to bring joy to fans on a regular basis too - often stopping for pictures around his adopted hometown of Wetherby.

Dad-of-two Damien Smith spotted the man himself while out with his two children, Orla, nine, and Barnaby, five, on Tuesday.

He said: "We were in Wetherby town centre and Bielsa walked round the corner. He smiled and waved at the kids.

"I asked for a socially distanced picture with him and he couldn’t have been happier - he just wandered over to the kids and put his arm round them."

After getting their picture, a display from the children of their fan credentials prompted Bielsa to bestow them with a gift.

Damien, who works in sports development in North Yorkshire, added: "We said 'thank you' and he started walking off.

"My daughter shouted ‘Mr Bielsa’ and lifted her jumper to show him her Leeds shirt and my son did the same.

"Bielsa fist pumped and walked back over to us saying thank you for the support and he gave them both an LUFC pen each.

"He was really lovely and couldn’t have been happier to say 'hi'.

"I was a bit bothered about bothering him but he was more than happy."

Damien added: "A kind, humble and accommodating man - as well as a football genius."

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