Marcelo Bielsa has been sacked as Leeds United manager a day after their 4-0 home defeat by Tottenham worsened their Premier League relegation fears.
The heavy loss dropped the Elland Road outfit to 16th in the table – just two points above the drop zone, having played two more games than 18th-placed Burnley too.
Pressure had been growing on Bielsa after a week that saw them concede a staggering 14 goals in just three games after losing 4-2 to bitter rivals Manchester United and then thumped 6-0 at Liverpool.
In fact, Saturday’s loss was their fourth in five games – a run which saw them concede 20 goals in total.
Bielsa remained convinced he could turn things around after the Spurs loss, but the Leeds board decided otherwise, with former RB Leipzig boss Jesse Marsch the heavy favourite to take over. The club say they hope to announce their new manager on Monday.
The 66-year-old dismissal brings an end to an almost four-season relationship with the club, with the Argentine appointed in June 2018.
Andrea Radrizzani on his ‘toughest decision’ at Leeds
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.’
Leeds have announced that plans for a permanent tribute to Bielsa at Elland Road are under way and more information will be released in due course after he guided them back to the Premier League last season after a 16-year absence.
