Leeds United part ways with Marcelo Bielsa after Tottenham thrashing despite thin squad and lack of transfer activities

Leeds United have announced the departure of head coach Marcelo Bielsa from the club following their defeat to Tottenham on Saturday. Former RB Leipzig head coach Jesse Marsch is expected to take over from Bielsa. The 66-year-old has been in charge of the club since 2018 and brought them up from the Championship on his second try after 16 years. In his third season, they broke the record for most points achieved by a promoted side since 00/01 as they finished 9th in the Premier League. Bielsa leaves Elland Road with a record of 81 wins, 30 draws, and 59 defeats from 170 matches in charge.

The club has been decimated by injuries this campaign with injuries to key personnel such as Patrick Bamford, Liam Cooper, and Kalvin Phillips. Leeds have one point from their last six games and have conceded 21 goals in that period to leave them outside the Premier League relegation zone by only two points. They have conceded 60 goals with a goal difference of -31 which is the worst in the EPL. Leeds have just five wins this season.

Leeds United chairman Andrea Radrizzani said: “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. 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. The moments created, particularly in the 2019/20 season and winning promotion to the Premier League, will of course live long in all our memories, myself and the fans included. 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. Naturally, myself, along with everyone else at the club would like to thank Marcelo for his efforts and achievements and we wish him the very best for the future.”

Director of football Victor Orta added: “Since arriving at Leeds United Marcelo had a huge impact on the club, on a scale I have not seen before. He has created a legacy, overseeing major infrastructure improvements at Thorp Arch, uniting the supporters and the players, and giving a clear pathway for young players to transition into the first team. It is disappointing his reign has had to end in this manner, given the special times we have enjoyed in recent years, which have been some of the best in my career, but we cannot hide from recent results. I would like to thank Marcelo for his commitment and dedication, and I wish him every success going forwards.”