As a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, last year’s Spanish cup final was delayed until the beginning of this month, with Bilbao ultimately losing that match 1-0 to local rivals Real Sociedad.
Bielsa's old club will get a second bite of the cherry this weekend, however, when they compete in the 2021 final against Barcelona.
It’s a unique situation for the Basque club, and one that is, as ever, made even more fascinating by their adherence to a recruitment policy that essentially dictates that the vast majority of their players must have been born or trained in the surrounding area.
It’s a self-imposed limitation which the club continues to excel under, and one that Bielsa himself dealt with during his two-year spell with the club in La Liga.
Coincidentally, his most famous achievement during that stint saw him lead Bilbao to a Copa del Rey final in 2012, only for them to lose 3-0 to Pep Guardiola's star-studded Barcelona side.
The Argentine was still lauded for his run to the final, however, and given Bilbao’s bizarre second shot at the trophy this weekend, it got us thinking about how Leeds might lineup if they themselves chose to only field players who were born in the city itself.
We’ve gathered up a starting XI of local talent – click and scroll through the pages below to see who makes the cut...
1. David Stockdale
The 35-year-old has had a long and nomadic career, but has somehow never managed to end up on the books at Elland Road. He currently plies his trade for Championship side Wycombe Wanderers. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) Photo: Michael Regan
2. Jamie Shackleton
A product of Leeds' own academy who has really kicked on under Marcelo Bielsa, the young utility man has made 13 appearances in the Premier League this season. (Photo by Phil Noble - Pool/Getty Images) Photo: Pool
3. Andre Wisdom
Wisdom was born in Leeds, but started his career with Liverpool, and has been on the books at Derby County since 2017. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) Photo: Shaun Botterill
4. Oliver Casey
Another young talent knocking on the door at Elland Road, 20-year-old defender Casey is regarded as a hot prospect in Yorkshire. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images) Photo: Mike Hewitt
5. James Milner
Milner left Elland Road as a teenager, and has since gone on to win just about everything imaginable in club football. Hopes persist in some quarters for a fairytale return to his boyhood side one day. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) Photo: Michael Regan
6. Kalvin Phillips
A firm favourite at Elland Road and a Leeds lad through and through, Phillips has been exceptional this season for both club and country. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) Photo: Michael Regan