Marcelo Bielsa has been fired by Leeds United following Saturday’s 4-0 thrashing by Tottenham at Elland Road, with Jesse Marsch leading the race to succeed him.
Bielsa joined Leeds in 2018 and guided them back to the Premier League two years later, as well as to a ninth-place finish in the top division in 2020/21, but he departs with the team only two points above the relegation zone and on a run of five defeats in six games.
Leeds have conceded 21 goals in that time and were thrashed 4-0 at home by Tottenham on Saturday, following a 6-0 thrashing at Liverpool in midweek, leaving them with a goal difference of -30 and the Premier League’s leakiest defense, having conceded 60 goals in 26 games, five more than bottom side Norwich.
Bielsa’s contract was set to expire at the end of the season, and following the Liverpool defeat, he stated he was anxious about the Whites’ relegation to the Championship.
Leeds chairman Andrea Radrizzani admitted that sacking Bielsa was the “most difficult choice” he has had to make during his tenure at the club, but stressed that the change was necessary to avoid relegation.
He informed the club’s website: “This has been the most difficult choice I have had to make during my time at Leeds United, given Marcelo’s success at the club.”
“With Marcelo at the helm, we had three wonderful seasons and brought the good times back to Elland Road. He altered the club’s culture and instilled in us all a winning mindset.
“The events created, notably during the 2019/20 season and the promotion to the Premier League, will undoubtedly live long in the memory of everyone involved, including myself and the fans.
“However, I am compelled to act in the club’s best interests, and I believe that a change is necessary immediately to ensure our Premier League status.
“Recent performance and outcomes have fallen short of our expectations. We find ourselves in a perilous league position, and I believe the time has come to bring in a new head coach in order to make a difference at the season’s key stage.
“Of course, I, along with the rest of the club, would like to thank Marcelo for his efforts and accomplishments and wish him the best of luck in the future.”
Leeds’ dreadful run
- January 22 – Leeds 0-1 Newcastle
- February 9 – Aston Villa 3-3 Leeds
- February 12 – Everton 3-0 Leeds
- February 20 – Leeds 2-4 Man Utd
- February 23 – Liverpool 6-0 Leeds
- February 26 – Leeds 0-4 Tottenham
Leeds claim they are in the process of planning a lasting homage to Bielsa at Elland Road and want to announce the Argentine’s successor as soon as Monday.
