Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers has revealed how Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa reached out to him after missing Champions League qualification last season.
The two managers face each other this afternoon, with both sides enduring a mixed start to the Premier League season.
"It has a real numbing effect on me, not qualifying for the Champions League," says Rodgers. "I spent a couple of hours with him and it was a breath of fresh air. He's a great man.
"He arranged to come in, take a look at our facilities and speak about football. It felt good. I came out of the conversation having lost the day before and before I went on holiday it was really great to chat to him. I had a great morning with him."
There are few managers in the world who would not list Bielsa's name as an inspiration. Pep Guardiola has. So, too, Mauricio Pochettino, who played under Bielsa at Newell's Old Boys and Espanyol.
Rodgers is no different.
"I've followed his career from the days he was in Argentina," he says. "I've seen lots of sessions of his. He has an unswerving commitment as to how he wants to play. That takes a lot of courage in this game at times.
"You'll have heard it yourselves, that they are too open. But his commitment, he has an inherent belief in it. But he has values as a person. When you speak and listen to him — he's had a fantastic career. He's hugely influential in his methods. You see his enthusiasm. He loves football and that really shines through."
Need a VPN? Or seeking to switch? Then support Tribal Football by clicking here to sign up with our official partners NordVPN. Not only will you receive the best VPN experience, but also great discounts by signing up via Tribal Football. Thanks for your support!