Why Marcelo Bielsa is Leeds United's 'Godfather' after masterminding Premier League return

Leeds United hero Dominic Matteo has described head coach Marcelo Bielsa as the Whites 'Godfather' following promotion to the top flight.

The Argentine guided the club back to the Premier League after a 16-year exile last month with Leeds lifting the Championship title by a stunning 10-point margin.

Preparations for a first term in the top tier since 2004 are well underway at Elland Road this summer with the 65-year-old remaining in post.

Bielsa has overseen a culture change in LS11 having taken United from mid-table in the second division to England's elite within two years of his arrival at the club.

Leeds have been handed a baptism of fire on the opening day of the new campaign on September 12 as they travel to take on Liverpool at Anfield.

The game against the reigning Premier League champions will be played behind closed doors on Merseyside.

Matteo - who is a former player of both sides - has been amazed at the job Bielsa has done in West Yorkshire to change the fortunes of the club around.

"I've been so impressed by him," Matteo said.

"He's kind of old school but he doesn't miss a trick. He's one step ahead.

"I think of all the great managers around the world at the moment and they look at what he is doing and what he's been up to. They all speak to him and learn off him.

"I think that is the biggest compliment I can pay to Marcelo Bielsa. He's kind of like the Godfather. He's the boss and the players have so much respect for him.

"You can see from the response of the players at Leeds. They were a decent side in the Championship but under Marcelo Bielsa they have just been a different team - he's transformed the club.

"He's had a lot of help with that but overall I just think he is a breath of fresh air and I can't wait to see what he brings to the Premier League."