Marcelo Bielsa wants to coach the Socceroos, declaring his desire to lead a country he believes can become a powerful football nation.

Speaking after Leeds United's 2-1 win over Western Sydney Wanderers, the Leeds coach said he was disappointed not to have been formally approach by Football Federation Australia when the job was last vacant in 2017.

Open to offers: Marcelo Bielsa looks on during Leeds' clash with Wanderers at Bankwest Stadium on Saturday night. AAP

The Argentinian was at the top of FFA's shopping list immediately after Ange Postecoglou resigned in November 2017 but formal negotiations never eventuated. It's understood one of the main reasons why Bielsa wasn't appointed Socceroos' coach for the 2018 World Cup in Russia was that he did not speak English, limiting the impact he could have with the national team in such a short amount of time.

"Always I had the illusion that this could be an option or at a minimum to talk with them, to know what they want. Finally, this contact never happened. I understand perfectly why it was like this but honestly, I would like to be part of the football of this country," Bielsa said.

"The country could be dangerous because finally their football is growing. They are at an age in football that will give the national team a chance to get success."

Bielsa was overlooked for the position in favour of Dutchman Bert van Marwijkm who took charge of the Socceroos in Russia who were eliminated at the group stage without a win.