Leeds United SACKS Marcelo Bielsa As Manager Of The Club.

Leeds United has today confirmed that they have parted ways with head coach Marcelo Bielsa, shortly after a 4-0 trashing at home to Tottenham on Saturday afternoon.

 

The 66-year-old was in charge of the team for over three-and-a-half years, following his appointment in June 2018.

He transformed the club's fortune two years later, by guiding the club to the Sky Bet Championship title, winning the division by 10 points, which saw them gain promotion back to the Premier League after a 16-year absence.

On the club’s return to the top-flight, Leeds finished ninth, securing the highest points tally by a newly promoted side in the Premier League since the 2000/01 season.

However, this season has proved to be difficult and the team has recorded just five Premier League wins.

Leeds have conceded 60 goals in 26 games, five more than bottom side Norwich, leaving them with a goal difference of -30 and the leakiest defence in the Premier League so far.

Bielsa's contract was already due to expire at the end of the season and after the 6-0 midweek defeat to Liverpool, he admitted he was concerned the Whites could be relegated back to the Championship.

He leaves with the club only two points above the relegation zone and on a run of five defeats from six games, getting just one point from their last six games.

Leeds United chairman Andrea Radrizzani said via the club's website: 

“This has been the toughest decision I have had to make during my tenure at Leeds United, taking into account all the success Marcelo has had at the club.

“With Marcelo as our head coach, we had three incredible campaigns and the good times returned to Elland Road. He changed the culture of the club and brought a winning mentality to us all. The moments created, particularly in the 2019/20 season and winning promotion to the Premier League, will of course live long in all our memories, myself and the fans included.

“However, I have to act in the best interest of the club and I believe a change is required now in order to secure our Premier League status.  Recent results and performances have not met our expectations.

“We find ourselves in a precarious league position and I feel now is the right time to bring in a new head coach, in order to have an impact in the decisive stage of the season.

“Naturally, myself, along with everyone else at the club would like to thank Marcelo for his efforts and achievements and we wish him the very best for the future.”

Director of football Victor Orta added: “Since arriving at Leeds United Marcelo had a huge impact on the club, on a scale I have not seen before.

“He has created a legacy, overseeing major infrastructure improvements at Thorp Arch, uniting the supporters and the players, and giving a clear pathway for young players to transition into the first team.

“It is disappointing his reign has had to end in this manner, given the special times we have enjoyed in recent years, which have been some of the best in my career, but we cannot hide from recent results.

“I would like to thank Marcelo for his commitment and dedication, and I wish him every success going forwards.”

According to reports, Jesse Marsch is leading the race to replace Bielsa, with club hoping to make new appointment on Monday.

The Former American international midfielder Marsch has been out of work since December when he was sacked by RB Leipzig only five months after he was appointed.

The 48-year-old had taken over from Julian Nagelsmann in July 2021 when his predecessor left for Bayern Munich, but last season's Bundesliga runners-up had dropped to 11th in the league, as well as losing three of their five Champions League group-stage games, before he was dismissed.

Before that, he had led Leipzig's sister club Red Bull Salzburg to back-to-back domestic doubles in the Austrian top flight in his two seasons at the helm, and previously managed in the MLS with Montreal Impact and New York Red Bulls.

Plans for a permanent tribute to Marcelo at Elland Road are under way and more information will be released in due course.

Leeds United will aim to make an announcement on a new appointment tomorrow.