In the retro football series, this is perhaps the most significant in the long-term respect. Not primarily because the quality of the team recalled, but more the profound impact of the master that has helped shape not just the fortunes of Argentine football in the modern era, but arguably influenced the global game as well.

This is because the victorious Newell’s Old Boys side of the Torneo Apertura 1990, could also be seen as the beginning of the story of the great Marcelo “El Loco” Bielsa.

The 19of August 1990 in the then namedwould see a relatively unknown coach (and the youngest in the league) debut at the helm of his beloved Newell’s Old Boys in a home encounter versus Platense.

Truth be told, a young Bielsa had begun to prepare as a coach even when he was still a player. Therefore after retiring, and along with mentor and fellow “Leproso” legend the great Jorge Griffa,“El Loco” (as Bielsa was soon to be known) had worked with the youth sides of the clubs scouting and recruiting a series of players that would prove integral to the club’s success, not to mention go on to highly successful footballing careers.

In fact, famously, the only signing the new coach had requested was another player who he had also worked with as a youth a player, a certain Mr Gabriel Batistuta, then of River Plate, but the Newell’s board could not push through the deal and instead tied up a deal for Ariel Boldrini.

Bielsa’s first official game in charge would see an assured performance by his side, and see them take a narrow 1-0 victory, courtesy of the now Argentina national team manager Gerardo “El Tata” Martino.

The birth of the “Bielsa football” style

In truth, the start of Marcelo Bielsa was not an instant success. Results were mixed as the rookie manager began to introduce young players that he had worked with in the youth ranks, and that where more suited to his footballing style.

The majority of the young players in question would all eventually contribute significantly to their team success, and go on to be some of the most influential “Bielsa disciples” of the modern era, Messrs (Mauricio) Pochettino, (Eduardo) Berizzo, (Fernando) Gamboa and (Dario) Franco and Co, would slot in alongside the likes of experienced veterans like Martino, Juan Manuel Llop or Norberto Scopponi and in the fourth round of the championship would achieve a crucial victory against Huracan that would prove the turning point for Marcelo Bielsa’s men, and the kick-start to his successful era.

Post a morale-boosting 3-4 away victory over their biggest rivals, in a pulsating game that was equally remembered for its quality, and Bielsa’s pre-match declaration that he would give up a finger for a victory in the “Clasico Rossarino” alike, Newell’s would again slip to three frustrating consecutive draws. But Bielsa’s men would soon recapture their finest form and eventually claim the top spot for the first time in the 13round of fixtures, and although closest challengerswould retake the lead, the side from Rosario would reclaim pole position with only three fixtures left.

Newell’s Carajo!!!

The final round of games would prove a dramatic affair. Newel’s went into the fixtures knowing victory over San Lorenzo would clinch the title, however could only manage a disappointing draw, and therefore were left to wait for the outcome of challengers River’s game against Velez Sarsfield.

Fans and players nervously listened to radio commentary as the game played on with a draw. But the tension proved to much for Bielsa, who exited to await the result outside the stadium in a nearby training pitch, and so as “El Loco” paced nervously, with his title hopes hanging in the balance, a late Velez goal would seal victory for the side from the Liniers district, and queue the ensuing pandemonium and celebrations for “La Lepra”.

Newell’s were crowned worthy champions, and indeed had an impressive record, but perhaps what is most recalled is the feverous celebrations of their young manager, who aloft the shoulders of his adoring fans would snatch a scarf from the crowd and begin to passionately shout “Newell’s carajo! Newells!” like a man possessed… a mad man, some might even describe. And there, for the good of the game all around the world, some may say that “El Loco’s” crazy adventure began in earnest.