A translator and his eccentric boss forge a most unlikely double act
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A translator and his eccentric boss forge a most unlikely double act

How a translator and his eccentric boss forged a most unlikely double act

Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa. (Photo: Reuters)
Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa. (Photo: Reuters)

For someone who normally looks so serious, it was good to see Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa lighten up and enjoy some laughs at last weekend's post-match press conference.

Of course, he had every reason to feel happy after his 10 men had upset runaway leaders Manchester City.

Also enjoying a rare laugh was his interpreter Andres Clavijo, which brings us to this most intriguing football double act featuring the Colombian translator and his eccentric Argentine boss.

It is not exactly Saint & Greavsie but their combined thoughtful analysis is always fascinating to observe. Normally the presence of a translator can be tiresome, but with Clavijo this is not the case.

Clavijo is much more than a translator. He graduated in sports sciences from St Mary's University, Twickenham and has been working as a football analyst and as a coach for 10 years.

Then, in August 2020, he was appointed "first team performance analyst" at Leeds. In other words, he knows his football, a big help when translating some of a Bielsa's more complex comments.

As English TV presenter Dermot O'Leary observed: "When Clavijo says stuff, you think he is the manager as well. He looks like he's got a bit about him."

Unlike his boss, Clavijo enjoys a strong command of the English language. He is incidentally the fifth translator Bielsa has used since taking over at Leeds four years ago.

You get the feeling Bielsa knows more English than he lets on.

This is revealed when sometimes he loses patience with his translator if he feels he hasn't used the right word.

After a heavy defeat he questioned Clavijo for saying they had been beaten "comprehensively." Now that wouldn't come from someone who doesn't know any English.

Bielsa could probably handle the interviews himself despite his limited vocabulary, but he is such a perfectionist he doesn't want there to be any misunderstandings.

Leeds midfielder Adam Forshaw told the BBC: "I think it's just easier for him. If he wants to speak in detail, he keeps it in his own language."

Striker Patrick Bamford said Bielsa actually understands English pretty well and can also speak quite a bit.

He added: "Because he is so respectful, I don't think he wants to make a mistake in the English language by saying something wrong."

This is a sensible attitude. In an era when every word a manager utters is analysed by the media, an incorrect word could create major misunderstandings.

Bielsa accepts it would be better if he spoke English but told reporters he never seems to find time to learn properly.

After winning promotion from the Championship last season, Leeds have become one of the most enjoyable teams to watch in the Premier League.

They nearly always play attractive attacking football no matter who are their opponents.

It doesn't always work out, of course, and sometimes the defence has been badly exposed, especially at set-pieces.

Bilesa's idiosyncrasies are well known, especially his touchline tendency to sit on a bucket or stool or simply squat.

Then there is the training exercise dubbed "murderball" by the media in which during 11v11 practice games absolutely no stopping is allowed and players must keep running no matter how exhausted they may be.

Some feel this emphasis on running is self defeating and the media have come up with what they call "Bielsa Burnout," claiming the fatigued players suffer exhaustion towards the end of the season.

Critics point to a number of seasons in which Bielsa's teams have faded in the final run in.

However, this doesn't seem to be the case so far this season. With just seven games to go Leeds are in a comfortable 10th place, not bad at all for a newly-promoted club.

Bielsa is undeniably already embedded in Leeds folklore. There are abundant posters in the vicinity of Elland Road announcing "In Bielsa We Trust" and he is an almost god-like figure amongst supporters.

Let's hope Bielsa remains at Leeds for several more seasons, along with his trusty aide Clavijo. The Premier League wouldn't seem the same without them.

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