• Premier League

Bilbao boss Bielsa coy on Chelsea links

ESPN staff
March 8, 2012
Marcelo Bielsa has a reputation as an innovative coach © Getty Images
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Athletic Bilbao coach Marcelo Bielsa refused to comment on speculation linking him with the Chelsea job, but did not rule himself out of a move to the Premier League.

Bielsa brings his side to Old Trafford on Thursday as Bilbao take on Manchester United in the Europa League.

The South American has attracted widespread praise for his innovative coaching style, which has seen Athletic reach the Copa del Rey final and climb to fifth in La Liga.

But the former Argentina coach was dismissive of reports which named him as a potential successor to Andre Villas-Boas, who was sacked after just eight months at Stamford Bridge.

"As a rule of thumb, I don't deal in hypotheses," Bielsa was quoted as saying in the Daily Mirror. "I prefer to talk about real situations and this [the Chelsea job] is just hypothetical."

United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was quick to praise Bielsa, who he goes head-to-head with for the first time.

"I admire his work because I see the emergence of a very good Bilbao side," Ferguson said. "They are very determined and organised, with a great belief in themselves. That is the hallmark of their coach. He has instilled these qualities in his team.

"We know how difficult a game it is going to be for us. This is the best Athletic team I have seen for some years."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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