Jobi McAnuff has stated that keeping Marcelo Bielsa was huge in Leeds' ability to start the season positively.

The former Reading captain has been impressed with the Whites' start this campaign and has put that down to the Argentine staying with the club.

Leeds suffered a play-off semi-final defeat last season as their campaign ended in devastating fashion in front of their own supporters at Elland Road.

It was a tough one to take for many of the Leeds players, but they have come back even stronger, and after the first seven fixtures of the season sit at the top of the Championship table.

It's yet to see whether they can keep up their impressive start, but signs are promising, and the signings brought in seem to have improved the squad.

McAnuff has highlighted how key it was for the club to keep manager Marcelo Bielsa in charge.

Speaking to the EFL Podcast, McAnuff said: "I think keeping Marcelo Bielsa was really massive in Leeds' positive start to the season.

"They have a manager who they know well, and they wouldn't have to change too much in that respect, so I think that's been a real big help for them starting this season."

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The Verdict

Leeds have had a very positive start to the season, and much of that will be down to Bielsa's relentless need for perfection.

He would have worked the squad hard over the summer to make sure that they were ready for the new campaign after what was truly a nightmare end to last season.

It's yet to see whether they can go the distance this year, but it looks like they'll be there or thereabouts. Much of that will be down to Bielsa, and he will make sure his players keep their eye on the target.