90min

Andre Villas-Boas Discusses Marcelo Bielsa's Nomination for FIFA's Best Coach Award

By Alec Larkin-Riley

AVB has been with Marseille since 2019
AVB has been with Marseille since 2019 / Quality Sport Images/Getty Images
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Marseille boss Andre Villas-Boas has expressed his dismay over Marcelo Bielsa's inclusion in FIFA's Best Coach Award for 2020.

Bielsa, who achieved promotion with his Leeds side - finishing top of the Championship - is one of five names on the shortlist for the award. But Villas-Boas does not believe the Argentine is worthy of his inclusion.

According to Marca, Villas-Boas expressed his confusion over the criteria to appear on the list, calling Bielsa's nomination into question.

"Bielsa must win a trophy of this type, in his career, for the proposed game, everyone recognises it. But, to be among the five best coaches of 2020, for winning the Championship? It's a scandal."

He also suggested that fellow Ligue 1 coach Thomas Tuchel should have been on the list in Bielsa's place: "Tuchel he has won four titles and has been a finalist in the Champions League."

Tuchel has a few talented players at his disposal.
Tuchel has a few talented players at his disposal. / FRANCK FIFE/Getty Images

Despite his critics, Tuchel, last season, guided the Parisiens to the French Super Cup, French Cup, League Cup, as well as the Ligue 1 title.

As well as Bielsa, Jürgen Klopp, Zinedine Zidane, Hans-Dieter Flick and Julen Lopetegui make up the five nominees - the latter of which led his Sevilla side to a record sixth Europa League title last season.