Leeds United head coach Marcelo Bielsa declined the opportunity to have his photo taken with his recently awarded accolade.

The Argentine had been presented with the Championship Manager of the Month award for August.

But, according to Paul Hay of the Yorkshire Evening Post, the 63-year-old rejected the chance to be a part of the usual photo shoot that goes with scooping the prize.

Bielsa’s reasoning is reported to be that he does not want to make a big deal so early in the season despite their impressive start. 

It has been a blistering start to the league campaign for Leeds, who currently adorn the summit of the Championship table, and remain unbeaten heading into the international break.

Four wins and two draws in their opening six league fixtures, scoring 14 times and only conceding four has them above second-place Middlesbrough on goal difference.

Bielsa was handed the award in favour of Blackburn Rovers’ Tony Mowbray, Bolton Wanderers’ Phil Parkinson and Middlesbrough’s Tony Pulis, who have also had impressive starts to the season.

With Millwall next in the league, the Leeds boss will be hoping the curse of the award fails to strike when at The Den, so they can keep their unbeaten run going in the month of September.

The Verdict

Marcelo Bielsa was the obvious choice to win the award.

He faced some stiff competition from the other three candidates but saw them off to be awarded the gong.

Tony Pulis’ men conceded less than the Elland Road side, but having seen a slick style of football employed at Leeds, and more goals scored, Leeds’ head coach was the standout candidate.

Refusing to have a photo with the award is typical of the humble Argentinian who is right to be reluctant to make a big deal of early season form, considering there’s still nine months to go before anything is confirmed.

Now August is out the way, the way Bielsa will have his sights set firmly on September and more immediately Millwall next weekend.

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