Leeds sack Marcelo Bielsa after Tottenham loss
Martin Macdonald
- Updated: 27 Feb 2022 08:20 CST
- 4 min read
Leeds have confirmed the sacking of manager Marcelo Bielsa after Saturday's humbling 4-0 defeat at home to Tottenham Hotspur.
The club have also announced they aim to make a new appointment tomorrow, while "plans for a permanent tribute to Marcelo at Elland Road are under way."
In an official club statement, Leeds 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.
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“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.”
The Argentine manager signed a contract extension with the club last summer to remain for another year, but that has now been cut short by the club.
Victor Orta, director of football at Leeds, is also quoted in the statement: “Since arriving at Leeds United Marcelo had a huge impact on the club, on a scale I have not seen before.
Leeds United can confirm the club have parted company with head coach Marcelo Bielsa
— Leeds United (@LUFC) February 27, 2022
“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.”
Bielsa's time at Leeds
In his first ever stint in English football Bielsa undoubtedly exceeded expectations at Leeds, having won promotion from the English Championship in his second season by 10 points and then guiding the team to a ninth place finish in the Premier League the following season.
However, Leeds have struggled in their second campaign back in the top flight.
Various injury issues to the likes of Patrick Bamford and Kalvin Phillips have severely impacted their fortunes, but it is defensively that the team has been woeful.
In 26 matches so far this campaign, they have conceded no less than 60 goals, averaging 2.3 goals conceded per game.
They have not won in six games and have lost five of those. Since they last won a game, they have conceded 21 goals.
During the week, they were demolished 6-0 away at Liverpool, and that was followed up by the aforementioned defeat against Spurs.
Multiple reports revealed Bielsa had been sacked on Saturday evening following the loss to Tottenham, and these were confirmed on Sunday morning.
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