Dean Windass has exclusively told Football FanCast that Marcelo Bielsa staying at Leeds could the difference between Leeds being relegated and challenging for Europe next season.
The Argentine has done a sensational job in the best part of the previous three years, but his future at Elland Road is still up in the air having only extended his deal by one-year in September.
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Having taken the Whites back into the Premier League following a 16-year absence, Bielsa has made Leeds competitive back in the topflight – with a top-half finish a genuine possibility for the Yorkshire outfit despite three defeats in their last four matches.
Leeds have already beaten the likes of Everton, Leicester and Southampton this season, and haven’t been lower than 15th since returning to the Premier League.
But with the possibility of Bielsa leaving this summer, Windass said that relegation could be on the cards if he doesn’t sign a new contract.
He told Football FanCast:
“If Leeds lose Bielsa, Leeds will get relegated next year. If Leeds keep Bielsa and he brings in the players he wants to bring in, no disrespect to Leeds United, he’s got six or seven Championship players in that football team that are absolutely unbelievable because of the manager.
“I think if Leeds keep Bielsa and he brings four or five quality players, Leeds United could be in the top-four next year.”
Defensively, Leeds haven’t been great, but their counter-attacking football makes them one of the most exciting teams to watch in the Premier League.
But with Bielsa’s future still undecided, the Elland Road faithful face an anxious wait in the coming months.
Windass added:
“I wouldn’t like to be the next Leeds manager if Bielsa says he isn’t staying, because the Leeds United fans absolutely love him. I think the key will be him, it’s not about if he’s going to get the sack, it’s if he will walk away.”