Marcelo Bielsa sacked by Leeds after defeat to Tottenham

 

 

Leeds United’s head coach Marcelo Bielsa has been fired following a run of poor form in which his team has suffered many severe defeats.

The Argentine, who took over as manager in June 2018, leaves the Whites two points above the relegation zone.

Leeds United finished ninth in the Premier League last season after a 16-year absence under Bielsa.

However, their 4-0 loss against Tottenham on Saturday meant they had lost their previous four games by a combined score of 17-2.

 

“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,” said Leeds United chairman Andrea Radrizzani.

“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.”

 

Prior to Bielsa’s arrival, Leeds had finished mid-table in the Championship in six of the previous seven seasons.

Bielsa’s squad was promoted as winners in July 2020, when the next season resumed following the coronavirus pandemic, after losing in the play-offs against Derby in the previous season.

Radrizzani added: “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.”