Trivia

Had a short career as a footballer from 1976-1980; played for Newell's Old Boys, Instituto A.C.C. and Argentino de Rosario.

Brother of Rafael Bielsa.

International with Argentina National Football Team in 1976.

1980: Retired from football at the age 25.

Has a daughter called Inés.

Head coach of Newell's Old Boys (1990-1992), Club Atlas (1992-1994), Club América (1995-96), Vélez Sarsfield (1997-98), R.C.D. Espanyol (1998), Argentina National Football Team (1998-2004), Chile National Football Team (2007-2011), Athletic Bilbao (2011-2013), Olympique de Marseille (2014-15), Lille O.S.C. (2017) and Leeds United A.F.C. (2018-).

As a coach, he won two Argentine League (1990/91, 1992 Clausura) with Newell's Old Boys, the Argentine League (1998 Clausura) with Vélez Sarsfield, the Gold Medal at 2004 Olympic Games with Argentina Olympic Team and EFL Championship (2020) with Leeds United A.F.C..

In 2001 he was awarded as the 'World's Best National Coach' by IFFHS.

Led Argentina National Football Team to finished 1st place in the 2002 FIFA World Cup qualification (CONMEBOL). The team was eliminated in the group stage.

Led Chile National Football Team to finished 2nd place in the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification (CONMEBOL). The team was eliminated in the Round of 16 by Brazil National Football Team.

Named the 'South American Coach of the Year' in 2009.

Won the FIFA Fair Play Award (with Leeds United) in 2019.

Nominee for The Best FIFA Football Coach in 2020.

The Newell's Old Boys's stadium named after his. (2013)