Leeds United have confirmed the sack of manager Marcelo Bielsa after a poor run of results.
Bielsa and his men endured a 4-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur at Elland Road earlier, a result which appeared to be the final nail in the coffin to his position at Leeds.
The defeat was his side’s fourth consecutive one having lost to Everton, Manchester United, Liverpool and Spurs, conceding 17 goals in the process and scoring only twice.
Indeed Leeds have shipped in 60 goals this season in the Premier League, more than any other side. They now find themselves thrown into a potential relegation tussle as they sit in 16th position, just two points adrift of the relegation zone.
Leeds chairman Andrea Radrizzani explained the decision to sack Bielsa was a tough one but needed to be done because of their league position.
“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,” he said.
“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.
“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.”
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Bielsa took over at Leeds in 2018 while they were still in the Championship. In 2020, he successfully guided them to Premier League promotion for the first time in 16 years after the club finished the season as champions.
The 66-year-old guided his team to a ninth placed finish in their first season back in the Premier League. However, things have gone swiftly downhill this season as performances have been nowhere as good as in the previous season.
Leeds have been largely unfortunate with injuries this season. They have had to do without several key players at different stages of the season.
Former RB Leipzig boss Jesse March is heavily rumoured to be the successor to Bielsa at Elland Road.
Whoever eventually takes charge would have to prioritise guiding the club to safety given their present league position.
Leeds have managed 23 points having won only five of 26 matches played this season. They will look to pick up points in their next fixture against Leicester at the King Power stadium.
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