Leeds United parted ways with Argentina manager Marcelo Bielsa on Sunday after the 4-0 home defeat by Tottenham Hotspur left the club hovering above the Premier League relegation zone.
Marcelo Bielsa leaves Leeds United after defeat by Tottenham Hotspur (Reuters Photo)
HIGHLIGHTS
- Leeds United head coach Marcelo Bielsa has parted ways with the club
- Bielsa brought Leeds back to the top flight for the first time in 16 years
- Leeds said they have plans for a “lasting tribute” to Bielsa
Leeds United head coach Marcelo Bielsa has parted ways with the Premier League club after a poor form that has seen his side suffer several heavy defeats. Bielsa, appointed in 2018, brought Leeds back to the top flight for the first time in 16 years and finished last season in ninth place.
However, the loss to Spurs was their fourth consecutive loss and they conceded 17 goals in those games, finishing 16th, two points above the relegation zone.
“This was the most difficult decision I’ve had to make during my tenure at Leeds United considering all the success Marcelo has had at the club,” said Leeds chairman Andrea Radrizzani.
Bielsa became a hugely popular figure at Leeds after ending their years outside the Premier League and bringing them back to the top flight with an entertaining brand of energetic attacking football.
“He changed the culture of the club and brought a winning mentality to all of us. The moments created in particular in the 2019/20 season and winning promotion to the Premier League will of course live on in all our memories for a long time, including me and the fans,” said Radrizzani.
“However, I must act in the club’s best interests and believe a change is now needed to secure our Premier League status. Recent results and performance have not lived up to our expectations.”
Leeds said they have plans for a “permanent tribute” to Bielsa at their Elland Road stadium.
They plan to make an announcement about Bielsa’s replacement on Monday.
