Leeds United have drawn the consequences from the sporting slump of recent weeks and parted company with promotion-winning coach Marcelo Bielsa after three and a half years.
Only one point from the last six league games, worrying performances in the 0-6 at Liverpool and the 0-4 against Tottenham – and only two points clear of the first relegation place. The club’s management apparently no longer saw a way to turn the corner together with Bielsa (66). On Sunday morning, Leeds announced the parting of ways with the eccentric Argentine, who took over in June 2018 and led Leeds back to the Premier League after 16 years.
“This was the toughest decision I have had to make in my time at Leeds United, considering how much success Marcelo has had with the club. He has changed the culture of the club and brought a winning mentality to all of us,” said club chief executive Andrea Radrizzani, but stressed he believed “a change is necessary to secure our Premier League status”.
Leeds finished last season in 9th place as promoted clubs, recording the highest points tally for a promoted team since the 2000/01 season. In the current season, things did not go so well – also because important key players such as national player Kalvin Philipps or goal scorer Patrick Bamford were out injured for a long time.
After the 0:4 against Spurs, however, Leeds are in acute relegation trouble. Burnley, who are 18th in the table, are only two points off the top and have two games in hand.
Jesse Marsch, most recently with RB Leipzig, is the favourite to succeed Bielsa.