PREMIER LEAGUE MANAGER SACKED

Head coach Marcelo Bielsa has been sacked by Leeds United after a run of poor form that saw his side suffer several heavy defeats.

The 66-year-old Argentine, appointed in June 2018, leaves with the Whites two points above the relegation zone.

Under Bielsa, Leeds finished ninth last season on their return to the Premier League after a 16-year absence.

But Saturday's 4-0 defeat by Tottenham meant they had lost their past four games by an aggregate 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."

Leeds had finished mid-table in the Championship in six of the previous seven seasons before Bielsa's arrival.


Who could replace Bielsa?

Leeds said they were aiming to make an announcement on Bielsa's replacement on Monday.

Former RB Leipzig coach Jesse Marsch is thought to be the favourite to take over.

The 48-year-old American, who has also coached New York Red Bulls and Red Bull Salzburg, left the German club in November after a five-month spell ended by mutual consent.

Other potential candidates could include former Barcelona coach Ernesto Valverde, who replaced Bielsa at Athletic Bilbao and is currently out of work, and Huddersfield boss Carlos Corberan.

The sad side of football after what he did for that club but it seems it was on the cards; although I thought it was going to be 'by mutual consent' at the end of the season when his contract was due to be renewed

Bielsa a breath of fresh air for football in this country and massively hampered by the losses of Bamford and Phillips (amongst others)

Away from now struggling Leeds United, who we may play again next season, I wish him and his interpreter all the very best in their next venture

I know its almost in our DNA to dislike Leeds, but i loved watching them play. Its only a game of football, try to win it by scoring more than the opposition.

I know its almost in our DNA to dislike Leeds, but i loved watching them play. Its only a game of football, try to win it by scoring more than the opposition.

Agree; a club we instinctively dislike but certainly last season Leeds were a breath of fresh air in their approach under Marcelo Bielsa

He sealed his fate with his stubbornness imo. He had a style of play, an admittedly impressive and effective one, but with the injuries and lack of adapting he’s been found out. Sometimes you need to play like Burnley to grind out draws and sneak 1-0 wins against the big clubs instead of sticking to your usual tactics and getting battered 3 or 4 nil.

I think he was confirmed to be leaving at the end of this season so I guess the club want a new person in ASAP to get the team up to speed with new tactics and play style before next season (whatever league Leeds end up playing in).

I know its almost in our DNA to dislike Leeds, but i loved watching them play. Its only a game of football, try to win it by scoring more than the opposition.

Agree; a club we instinctively dislike but certainly last season Leeds were a breath of fresh air in their approach under Marcelo Bielsa

We all hate Leeds scum, we all hate Leeds scum!
But I’ve actually enjoyed the way they’ve played and their high energy football in recent years Chris.

I know its almost in our DNA to dislike Leeds, but i loved watching them play. Its only a game of football, try to win it by scoring more than the opposition.

Agree; a club we instinctively dislike but certainly last season Leeds were a breath of fresh air in their approach under Marcelo Bielsa

We all hate Leeds scum, we all hate Leeds scum!
But I’ve actually enjoyed the way they’ve played and their high energy football in recent years Chris.

Me too, Paul

Their 'fans' are a different matter completely...!

I hate Leeds as much as I hate Swansea and Bristol City hope they go down and crumble.