Marcelo Bielsa has been announced as the Sky Bet Championship Manager of the Month for July.
Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa has been named the Sky Bet Championship Manager of the Month for July.
When it mattered, not only did Leeds not fall apart again, but the Argentine instilled such belief in his methods that his players romped to the Championship title in style with a perfect six wins from six games and a colossal 17-2 goal differential.
Danny Wilson chairs the Sky Bet Manager of the Month judging panel.
He said: “Up against some fantastic set of results of some teams in July, Marcelo came up trumps with his Leeds United team!
“When all the expectation is heaped onto one club for a matter of years, that pressure can break certain players and managers, but not Bielsa.
“Leeds went six games unbeaten at the end of the season to cement their return to the Premiership as Champions.
“Bielsa’s team have pushed themselves to the limit this campaign and deserved all the acclaim they’re receiving.”
Sky Sports’ EFL pundit Don Goodman said: “The man who has finally brought the good times back to Elland Road after 16 years of hurt – July’s manager of the month could only be one man.
“A clean sweep of five straight victories in July provided a fitting end to Leeds’ title-winning campaign.
“At the business end of the season when it was crunch time, no one could handle the West Yorkshire outfit as they marched to the Premier League, and all eyes will be on Bielsa’s troops once more when they thoroughly deservedly join the elite in September.”
Sky Bet EFL trader Ivor Davies said: “July was the month that Marcelo Bielsa guided Leeds to promotion back to the top flight for the first time in sixteen years, delivering on their pre-season favouritism, at the relatively short price of 13/8.
“Going into the month, Bielsa’s side were top of the Championship (4/7 to the win the league) and after cranking up the pressure on their title rivals, they secured the title with a game to spare after Huddersfield defeated WBA and Stoke shocked Brentford the day after.
“Looking ahead to next season, Bielsa will again be key for Leeds and Sky Bet are confident he can help them stay in the Premier League, which can be backed at 1/6.
“Bielsa is an 8/1 chance to win any Manager of the Month award throughout the season and his team are 16/1 to finish above their old rivals Manchester United.”
The Sky Bet Manager of the Month judging panel comprises former Barnsley manager Danny Wilson, Sky Sports’ EFL expert Don Goodman; EFL Communications Director Mark Rowan, and Sky Bet EFL trader Ivor Davies.