Former Athletic Bilbao coach and close friend of Marcelo Bielsa, Luis María Bonini, has passed away after a battle with cancer at the age of 67.
The 67-year-old passed away having worked with Bielsa in a number of clubs where he is remembered fondly including stints at Club Atlas de Guadalajara, Club América, Vélez Sarsfield, R. C. D. Español, Argentina national team, Chile national team and Athletic Club Bilbao most recently before he left to work with Club Universidad de Chile.
La información indica que Bielsa viaja a Chile a ver al Profe Bonini que está internado en grave estado. Por eso la suspensión del Lille. pic.twitter.com/x4Apelsb0U
— Fabián Taboada (@FabiTaboada) 22 de noviembre de 2017
The Argentine coach, Bielsa, was suspended by Lille on Wednesday after a dreadful start to the French season, the struggling Ligue 1 club announced with reports suggesting he was suspended after flying to Chile to be with his friend as he neared the end of his battle with cancer.
Lille are second from bottom after just three wins in 13 matches under Bielsa, with the 62-year-old "suspended momentarily as coach" pending further announcement, according to a statement on the Lille website.
LOSC decidió hoy suspender momentáneamente a Marcelo Bielsa de su cargo de entrenador como parte de un procedimiento iniciado por el club. pic.twitter.com/qHkCPJnJlW
— LOSC Lille ES (@LOSC_ES) 22 de noviembre de 2017
Athletic Bilbao tweeted the news and says they have requested to UEFA that they wear a black armband to remember Bonini.
Ligue 1
| Table | PTS | W | D | L |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18Estrasburgo | 13 | 3 | 4 | 6 |
| 19Lille | 12 | 3 | 3 | 7 |
| 20Metz | 4 | 1 | 1 | 11 |
*Update 23 de noviembre de 2017
Ha fallecido Luis María Bonini, ex preparador físico del Athletic Club (2011-2013) Queremos hacer llegar a familiares y amigos nuestro más sentido pésame. DEP. Se ha solicitado a la UEFA portar brazalete negro. pic.twitter.com/o0U3FqKJMt
— Athletic Club (@AthleticClub) 23 November 2017
