Guiseley manager Marcus Bignot has praised Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa following the pre-season clash between the two sides and labeled him a "managerial icon". 

The Whites beat the National League side 2-1 in their second pre-season game.

Bielsa included a number of star players in his line up, such as Kalvin Phillips, Helder Costa, and Mateusz Klich, but still went behind in the ninth minute.

Costa scored the equaliser in his first game in a Leeds shirt, finding the net after a brilliant solo run in the 69th minute, before Mateusz Bogusz bagged the winner in the 80th minute.

Speaking to Leeds Live after the game, Bignot was full of praise for his side and described his excitement at meeting the Whites' Argentine coach.

He said: "I’m absolutely delighted with our performance. Leeds took this game seriously, it was a really good occasion for us all.

"After the game, Bielsa sent his interpreter to thank us for a good game. I’m in heaven.

"He is a managerial icon. His interpreter asked what league we are in. When we said the National League, Marcelo shook his head and pointed up. He‘s impressed."

Leeds fly out for their pre-season tour in Australia on the weekend, with fixtures lined up against Manchester United and Western Sydney Wanderers.

The Verdict

Bignot's stance on Bielsa is not a unique one.

Big name managers Pep Guardiola, Diego Simeone and Mauricio Pochettino all think extremely highly of the 63-year-old and consider him a mentor.

However, the comments hammer home how lucky Leeds are to have Bielsa at the helm.

He did an excellent job with the Whites last season, taking a team that had finished 13th the year before to a third-place finish, and they have an excellent chance of finally returning to the Premier League this season.