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Leeds United have sacked Marcelo Bielsa as first-team manager after a slump in results left the club fighting for Premier League survival.
Bielsa arrived at Elland Road in Summer 2018 and made a huge impact as he guided the club to the 2018-19 Championship Play-Offs, before securing promotion to the Premier League the following season as Championship champions.
Leeds proceeded to finish ninth in their first season back in England’s top flight since the 2003-04 campaign, and just three points off qualifying for the UEFA Europa Conference League.
A mixture of injuries and poor results this season though has left the club sat 16th and just two points off the relegation zone, with just one point from their last six matches plus only six clean sheets in all competitions across the campaign.
Club bosses consequently lost patience following a 4-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday (26 February), which meant that the club had shipped 14 goals in total across just six days after also suffering heavy losses against Manchester United and Liverpool.
In a club statement, Leeds said: ‘Leeds United can today confirm the club have parted company with head coach Marcelo Bielsa.’
Leeds chairman, Andrea Radrizzani added that the decision to part company with Bielsa was “the toughest decision” that he had made since taking charge of the club in 2017, having considered the club’s successes under Bielsa in recent seasons in his decision making.
Radrizzani proceeded to pay tribute to the ex Argentina manager as he said: “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.”
Radrizzani however acknowledged that he had to act now “in the best interest of the club” moving forward in their relegation battle, which necessitated a change now in order to try and save their place in the Premier League.
Addressing fans’ concerns about recent performances and the timing of Bielsa’s exit, Radrizzani iterated that the players’ efforts “have not met our expectations”, hence him feeling that ” 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.”
Leeds’ Director of football, Victor Orta meanwhile praised Bielsa for delivering “a huge impact” upon Leeds and creating a legacy, which includes “major infrastructure improvements” at the club’s training ground – Thorp Arch plus stronger unity between club and supporters.
Orta also expressed his sadness at how Bielsa’s reign at Elland Road has finished as he continued: “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.”
Leeds also confirmed that a permanent tribute to Bielsa will be installed at the club with plans currently underway, although further details won’t be announced in the immediate future.
There will also be an update on who will succeed Bielsa tomorrow (28 February) with ex RB Leipzig manager – Jesse Marsch the hot favourite to be appointed as Leeds’ new manager.
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