Leeds part company with Marcelo Bielsa

 

Leeds have confirmed that they have parted company with Marcelo Bielsa following Saturday's 4-0 loss to Tottenham. 

 

The Whites have endured a torrid second season following their Premier League return and their heavy home defeat over the weekend leaves them just two points above the drop zone. 

 

Leeds have been shocking defensively and have conceded more goals (60) than any other Premier League team in 2021/22. 

 

 

And the Yorkshire side have today confirmed that the Argentine has left the Elland Road helm. 

 

"Leeds United can today confirm the club have parted company with head coach Marcelo Bielsa," a statement read on the club's official website. 

 

"The 66-year-old was in charge of the team for over three-and-a-half years, having taken the reins in June 2018. 

 

"He transformed the club’s fortunes on the pitch, which began with the 3-1 demolition of Stoke City at Elland Road two months later and he led Leeds to the Sky Bet Championship Play-Offs in his first full season in charge. 

 

"In his second campaign Bielsa succeeded where those before him had failed, guiding the club to the Sky Bet Championship title, winning the division by 10 points, and resulting in promotion back to the Premier League for the first time in 16 years. 

 

"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 campaign. 

 

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

 

On Bielsa's dismissal, Leeds chairman Andrea Radrizzani said: "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." 

 

Former RB Leipzig boss Jesse Marsch has been heavily linked as Bielsa's successor at Elland Road.