Premier League side Leeds United has decided to part ways with Marcelo Bielsa, following the side's loss to Tottenham Hotspur. Premier League side Leeds United has decided to part ways with Marcelo Bielsa, following the side's loss to Tottenham Hotspur.
"Leeds United can today confirm the club have parted company with head coach Marcelo Bielsa. The 66-year-old was in charge of the team for over three-and-a-half years, having taken the reins in June 2018," the club said in an official statement.
The club has not named his replacement yet, but is expected to make an announcement tomorrow regarding the same.
Leeds United part company with head coach Marcelo Bielsa
Leeds United have parted company with head coach Marcelo Bielsa after almost four years in charge.
The Athletic reported on Saturday afternoon that there was serious uncertainty over Bielsa’s future, with Jesse Marsch the leading candidate to replace him.
Saturday's 4-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur was the club's fifth defeat in their last six Premier League fixtures.
They are 16th in the table, three points clear of the relegation zone, but have played two more games than 18th place Burnley, and three more than Everton in 17th.
The Athletic understands Bielsa’s position has been under heightened consideration since a heavy 6-0 loss at Liverpool on Wednesday, and Leeds were again a distant second best on Saturday.
Leeds United 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.”
He replaced Paul Heckingbottom as Leeds head coach in June 2018 and led the club back into the Premier League after 16 years away in his second season at Elland Road.
Leeds impressed in the Premier League last season, finishing ninth. However, they have won just five league matches this time around, picking up one point from their past six matches.
Marcelo Bielsa sacked by Leeds amid relegation battle
Marcelo Bielsa has been sacked by Leeds United, it was confirmed, with the club fighting a relegation battle in the Premier League.
Leeds suffered a torrid week, first suffering a 6-0 defeat away to Liverpool on Wednesday before enduring a 4-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur at home on Saturday.
Leeds United 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."
Bielsa, 66, joined Leeds in 2018, guiding the club back to the Premier League by winning the Championship in 2020, ending the club's 16-year absence from England's top-flight.
Leeds finished ninth in their first campaign back in the Premier League, but a difficult second season, which has seen the side lose five of their last six games, spelled the end of Bielsa's reign at Elland Road. Bielsa oversaw a run of four straight league defeats, conceding 17 goals, with Leeds two points ahead of third-bottom Burnley having played two games more.
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Director of football Victor Orta added: "Since arriving at Leeds United Marcelo had a huge impact on the club, on a scale I have not seen before.
"He has created a legacy, overseeing major infrastructure improvements at Thorp Arch, uniting the supporters and the players, and giving a clear pathway for young players to transition into the first team. "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."
The club added that plans for a permanent tribute to Bielsa at Elland Road are under way and more information will be released in due course.
Former United States international Jesse Marsch is a contender to replace Bielsa after he left Bundesliga side RB Leipzig by mutual consent in December, five months after taking charge.
He previously won two Austrian league titles at FC Salzburg. The 48-year-old began his managerial career at Montreal Impact in 2011 and also managed New York Red Bulls. Ralf Rangnick, now Manchester United's interim manager, employed Marsch as his assistant during his time at Leipzig.