Leeds United have finally seen it expedient to part company with their manager extraordinaire Marcelo Bielsa after a disastrous run of form which culminated in Saturday’s 4-0 home humbling by Tottenham.
‘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,’ said Leeds United chairman Andrea Radrizzani.
‘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.
‘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.’
The charismatic and much-loved Argentine head coach was simply adored by the hardcore Elland Road faithful for not only helping to transform the fortunes of one of English football’s sleeping giants but also for reinstilling in them the faith in their club in this stronghold of rugby.
Under Bielsa’s unwavering guidance, Leeds returned to the Premier League last season after a long 15-year absence, illuminating the division with his devastating style of exciting, attacking football which saw the likes of Kalvin Phillips, Raphinha and Patrick Bamford hit the highlights.