Leeds sack Marcelo Bielsa as manager after disastrous slump in form

Move comes after string of heavy defeats pushes Premier League club towards relegation zone

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  Leeds have parted company with head coach Marcelo Bielsa, the Premier League club announced on Sunday, February 27, 2022, a day after Leeds suffered a 4-0 Premier League defeat to Tottenham. PA

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  Leeds United players celebrate with manager Marcelo Bielsa as they lift the Sky Bet Championship trophy on July 22, 2020 to seal promotion back to the Premier League. PA

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  Marcelo Bielsa has parted company with Leeds United following a poor run of results. PA

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  Marcelo Bielsa, 66, was appointed Leeds head coach in June 2018. He leaves with the Whites two points above the Premier League relegation zone. PA

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  Under Marcelo Bielsa, Leeds finished ninth last season in their return to the Premier League after a 16-year absence. PA

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  Leeds United have parted company with Argentine manager Marcelo Bielsa. PA

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  Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa speaks to the media after the 4-0 defeat to Tottenham. It was Leeds' fourth defeat on the trot, by an aggregate score of 17-2. AFP

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  Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa crouches on the touchline at Elland Road as he watches his side's match against Tottenham. PA

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  Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa crouches as his assistant Pablo Quiroga stands beside him during the Premier League match against Tottenham Hotspur at Elland Road on February 26, 2022 at Elland Road. Getty Images

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  Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa looks glum as his side suffers another heavy defeat in the Premier League to Tottenham on Saturday. Reuters

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  Marcelo Bielsa was appointed Leeds head coach in June 2018. He parted ways with the club on February 27, 2022. AFP

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  An image of Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa is seen on a flag outside Elland Road. Reuters

Premier League club Leeds have fired manager Marcelo Bielsa following Saturday's 4-0 defeat to Tottenham.

The loss at Elland Road was their fourth defeat in five matches - a disastrous run in which they conceded 20 goals and slid towards the relegation zone.

The 66-year-old Argentinian believed he could turn things around after the Spurs loss, but the Leeds board disagreed.

Former RB Leipzig boss Jesse Marsch is favourite to replace Bielsa. The club say they hope to announce their new manager on Monday.

The club say they expect to announce their new manager by today. In a statement, the club said: “Leeds United can today confirm the club have parted company with head coach Marcelo Bielsa.

“The 66-year-old was in charge of the team for over three-and-a-half years, having taken the reins in June 2018.

“He transformed the club’s fortunes on the pitch, taking [us] back to the Premier League for the first time in 16 years.

“However, this season has proved to be difficult and the team has recorded just five Premier League wins.”

Past and current Leeds players took to social media to pay tribute to Bielsa.

England midfielder Kalvin Phillips, whose injury contributed to his side’s struggles, tweeted: “Thank you, Marcelo, for everything you have done for me. You saw in me what I didn’t even see in myself. You helped me to grow as a player but most importantly as a person. Wishing you all the best in your next chapter.”

Striker Patrick Bamford, who has made just five starts this season due to injury, said: “Thank you [to] the man who changed everything for everyone.”

Former England and Arsenal goalkeeper David Seaman, a lifelong Leeds fan, tweeted: “Unhappy to hear that Bielsa has left Leeds. Any manager would have found it hard to lose the spine of his team and still get results. All Leeds fans will always love him. What’s next for Leeds?”

Chairman Andrea Radrizzani said he was forced to act due to the club’s worsening results.

“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.

“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.”