Marcelo Bielsa's later life at Leeds doesn't look dreary, but for all the promise, fun and trademark style, there was a painfully familiar result as Jesse Marsh's first game in charge of the club ended in a slim defeat.
Leeds went ahead with his distinctive fervor and, despite creating countless chances, he left Leicester to show for an encouraging performance when Harvey Barnes' quiet second half saw his team win back-to-back wins. Leeds haven't kept a clean sheet since November and the prospect of another fast victim never appeared, should improving the Premier League's weakest defense be on Marsh's list of priorities.
Brendan Rodgers paid tribute to Bilsa in his event notes, saying he believed "the Premier League would be a poor place without their values". Leeds' first glimpse into the post-Bielsa era made for exciting viewing. Leeds flexed between a 4-2-3-1 and 4-2-2-2 formation, with Marsh backing Red Bull Salzburg to ensure that Daniel James was rarely isolated.
The first half was played at a frantic pace, with James whistling a shot wide in the opening few minutes and Leeds did not relent. Marsh admitted that he wasn't in search of perfection, but there were too many positives for him to write on the notepad in his overcoat. Junior Firpo found joy in moving from left-back and Rodrigo, one of two changes from the disbanded team at home to Tottenham, exploded after a move start but the killer blow did not get him.
Leeds engaged Kasper Schmeichel in his 461st Leicester appearance - the third highest number of any player in the club's history - and Rafinha would have converted Firpo's cross to the front post if the Danish goalkeeper had somehow struck the ball. Did not save from his feet.
Daniel Amarte, again working centre-back, prevented Jack Harrison from aiming at Leeds' goal, after the winger had injured a shot from the edge of the box. Leeds substitute Joe Gellhardt also closed within seconds of entering. Stuart Dallas played a lovely pass at the Mateusz cliche, which slammed into Rafinha to the right and centered the ball. Gellhart collected the ball with his first touch and skewered a shot that was deflected, narrowly wide.
Leicester appeared differently and perhaps for good reason. An injury to Ricardo Pereira in a win over Burnley at midweek forced Rodgers to name a temporary defense again and Hamza Chaudhry looked uncomfortable at right-back.
Kieran Dewsbury-Hall was brilliant in midfield and Barnes' goal on 67 minutes was equally clear. He played a one-two with substitute Kelechi Iheanacho, controlling the ball on his left foot and with his next touch swung a right footed shot past Ilan Messier into the far corner.
It was just the lift needed for Leicester, with Rodgers punching both fists into the air. Leeds may have ruined February in the past, but there's no guarantee that things will get better.