By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Head coach Marcelo Bielsa has “parted ways” with Leeds United after a run of poor results which saw his side suffer several heavy defeats.
Under Bielsa, Leeds finished ninth last season in their return to the Premier League after a 16-year absence.
But Saturday’s 4-0 defeat by Tottenham Hotspur meant they had lost their past four games by an aggregate score of 17-2.
“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.”
Bielsa’s contract was already due to expire at the end of the season, and after the Liverpool defeat he admitted he was concerned the Whites could be relegated back to the Championship.
Leeds say they hope to confirm Bielsa’s replacement as soon as Monday.
American coach Jesse Marsch, an advocate of Bielsa’s style and admired by Leeds director of football Victor Orta, seems to be the front runner although even this is a gamble so late in the season.
Marsch won admirers at Red Bull Salzburg, where he won two Austrian titles and two domestic cups, but he failed in his last job at RB Leipzig, where he was sacked after less than six months.
He is not a man well versed in the tensions and twists of a Premier League relegation struggle so Leeds will hope, should they appoint him, that he is up to speed immediately.
Bielsa leaves with his reputation intact among supporters who are forever grateful that he put Leeds back in a place they feel is their rightful home.