Marcelo Bielsa sacked by Leeds after poor form

Head coach Marcelo Bielsa has been sacked by Leeds United after a poor run that has seen his side suffer several key defeats.

The 66-year-old Argentine, who was signed in June 2018, leaves Los Blancos two points clear of the relegation zone. Under Bielsa, Leeds ended last season’s return to the Premier League in ninth place after a 16-year absence.

But Saturday’s 40th loss to Tottenham meant they had lost their last four games with a total of 172 points. “This was the hardest decision I’ve had to make in my tenure at Leeds United, given all the success Marcelo has had at the club,” said Leeds United chairman Andrea Radrizzani. “With Marcelo as manager, we’ve had an incredible three Seasons and the good times returned to Elland Road He changed the club’s culture and brought a winning mentality to us all.”

Leeds had finished mid-table in the Championship in six of the previous seven seasons prior to Bielsa’s arrival. After Bielsa’s team Having lost to Derby in the 201819 play-offs, they became champions in July 2020 when they restarted the following season following the coronavirus pandemic. Radrizzani added: “I have to act in the best interest of the club, and I believe a change is now needed to secure our Premier League status, recent results and performances have ours expectations not met. “We’re in a precarious position in the league and I think now is the right time to bring in a new head coach to make a difference at the crucial stage of the season.” Leeds striker Patrick Bamford , who was England international in “The man who changed everything for everyone,” said Bamford.