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Leeds sack Marcelo Bielsa after three-and-a-half years

Leeds have sacked manager Marcelo Bielsa after three-and-a-half years in the job. The announcemen...



Leeds sack Marcelo Bielsa afte...
Soccer

Leeds sack Marcelo Bielsa after three-and-a-half years

Leeds have sacked manager Marcelo Bielsa after three-and-a-half years in the job.

The announcement comes after they suffered a humiliating 4-0 Premier League defeat to Tottenham at Elland Road on Saturday.

That was less than a week on from a 4-2 home defeat to Manchester United.

Leeds currently sit 16th in the table, just two points above the relegation zone.

Burnley and Everton, who are below them, also have two games in hand on the Yorkshire club.

66-year-old Bielsa was at Leeds for over three-and-a-half years, having taken the reins in June 2018.

In his second campaign Bielsa succeeded where those before him had failed, guiding the club to the Sky Bet Championship title, winning the division by 10 points, and resulting in promotion back to the Premier League for the first time in 16 years.

On the club’s return to the top-flight, Leeds finished ninth, securing the highest points tally by a newly promoted side in the Premier League since the 2000/01 campaign.

However, this season has proved to be difficult and his side has recorded just five Premier League wins.

In Sunday morning's statement the club's 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.”

The statement concluded by saying that plans for a permanent tribute to Marcelo at Elland Road are under way and more information will be released in due course.

The club has also said they will aim to make an announcement on a new appointment on Monday.

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Leeds United Marcelo Bielsa Premier League Sacked