{"product_id":"el-loco-celeste","title":"El Loco Celeste","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eEl Loco Celeste\u003c\/i\u003e charts the trials and tribulations of Marcelo Bielsa’s three-year tenure as manager of the Uruguay national team, revealed match-by-match through the eyes of a Leeds United fanatic who refused to be ‘widowed’ by Bielsa’s exit from Elland Road. The journey undulates throughout: historic victories over Argentina and Brazil give way to heartbreak at the Copa America and a chronic loss of form in the run-up to the 2026 World Cup. Off the pitch, things are even more turbulent, as Bielsa clashes with the hyper-critical Uruguayan press and a band of dissenting players who intensely scrutinise his methods and philosophy. The author’s own adventure – following his idol to the ends of the earth – offers insight into South American football culture, the famed Uruguayan \u003ci\u003eGarra Charrúa\u003c\/i\u003e spirit, and entertaining anecdotes, including an hour-long encounter with Bielsa himself. A potted history of Bielsa’s career is woven throughout, to forge an intimate portrait of a footballing enigma – the celestial El Loco.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gardners","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57507725181301,"sku":"9781836803058","price":19.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0612\/7193\/3106\/files\/9781836803058.jpg?v=1787042864","url":"https:\/\/backstory.london\/products\/el-loco-celeste","provider":"Backstory","version":"1.0","type":"link"}