Marcelo Bielsa Sacked By Leeds United After Tottenham Defeat

Marcelo Bielsa has been sacked by Leeds United in the wake Saturday's 4-0 defeat to Tottenham.

His departure comes after a run of five defeats in six matches that has left the club in 16th place in the Premier League, just two points above the relegation zone.

Leeds plan to announce his successor on Monday, with former RB Leipzig and Red Bull Salzburg boss Jesse Marsch the favourite to replace him at Elland Road.

Bielsa took charge of Leeds in 2018 and guided the club to promotion to the Premier League in the 2019-20 season, ending the club’s 16-year wait for top-flight football.

His side finished ninth in their first season back in the Premier League, impressing many with their high octane style of play.

However, they have struggled to replicate that form this season and have picked up just five wins over the course of the league campaign.

They have also conceded 60 goals in their 26 league games, the worst defensive record in the division.

Despite the club's struggles this season, Bielsa remains a popular figure with supporters and Leeds have announced plans for a 'permanent tribute' to the Argentine at Elland Road.

“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," said Leeds chairman Andrea Radrizzani.

“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.”

Former USA international Marsch is expected to be appointed as manager in time for Leeds’ next match against Leicester in the Premier League on Saturday.

Marsch has been without a role since being sacked by RB Leipzig in December after just five months in charge of the German club.

Before that, he had led Red Bull Salzburg to back-to-back domestic doubles in Austrian football.

He has also previously managed in the MLS with Montreal Impact and New York Red Bulls.