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  • And It Was Beautiful

  • Marcelo Bielsa and the Rebirth of Leeds United
  • By: Phil Hay
  • Narrated by: Phil Hay, Ralph Ineson
  • Length: 7 hrs and 38 mins
  • 4.9 out of 5 stars (309 ratings)
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And It Was Beautiful cover art

And It Was Beautiful

By: Phil Hay
Narrated by: Phil Hay, Ralph Ineson
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Summary

Updated to include the 2021/22 season

The instant Sunday Times Top ten bestseller

The behind-the-scenes story of the Marcelo Bielsa revolution at Leeds United and their first season back in the Premier League after sixteen years of hurt.

Featuring fresh personal insight from Marcelo Bielsa

On 27th February 2022, after 170 matches in charge, promotion to the Premier League and some of the most exhilarating football the English game has ever seen, Leeds United parted company with their most beloved and successful manager in a generation: Marcelo Bielsa. His parting gift was to embrace the crowds of adoring fans who turned up to say thank you as he left the club's training ground for the final time.

In And it was Beautiful, The Athletic's Phil Hay chronicles Leeds United's glorious first season back in the top flight—which saw them finish ninth—after a chaotic sixteen-year absence. Phil pulls back the curtain on the hallmarks that now define the Marcelo Bielsa era, from his gruelling training schedule—including his infamous 'murderball' sessions—to innovative tactical methods that elevated Championship regulars into Premier League stars. Bielsa performed miracles, turning football into high art and making an extraordinary cultural impact on the city of Leeds. The result is a unique and fitting tribute to a Leeds United icon.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2021 Phil Hay (P)2021 Orion Publishing Group

What listeners say about And It Was Beautiful

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Great

Loved it. Bielsa is a phenomenon. Great work by all concerned. Must read for all Leeds United fans 👏

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Great book by Phil Hay

A great book with an insight to Yield a and his ideas around football management.

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YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE A LEEDS FAN TO LISTEN TO THIS

great book about a very private man that changed the way people look at football across the world

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Campeones

all leeds arent we, Phil? sensational stuff from the big man once again, top work

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Great story but struggled with narrators voice

An amazing story that’s well written. The story of a true enigma. Sadly the narrative is soporific and he should stick to TV comedy bit parts

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We all love Leeds, and we all love Phil Hay

This book is everything for a leeds fan, a fan of football or just a fan of the beautiful game. It is concise, in depth and in all, perfect for anyone who really wants to understands the game of football. Phil Hay’s writing is like an extended version of his twitter coverage, giving you every detail you could possibly want! MUST READ, READ IT, DO IT! MOT! Thank you Phil Hay

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it was beautiful

once you start you won't stop. great listen that puts the meat on the bones of a skeletal story

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Fascinating insight

Brilliantly structured book with amazing insight into marcelo Bielsa’s past and also the history of Leeds United

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interesting read

fan of Phil hay and an interesting book on how Leeds got bielsa and insight into the club. good bit of fun and interesting read recommend to football fans especially Leeds fans

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Well done Phil

An enjoyable book. The reading of it was difficult to listen to at first. The deepness of his voice made listening to it grating & the mis-pronounciation of the owner's name was irritating, but the story keeps you engaged. It's just a shame Bielsa wouldn't enable you to make it the story you wanted to tell.

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