Marcelo Bielsa Making Shock Return To Management, Just One Month After Leeds Sacking

Marcelo Bielsa is set to return to management less than a month after being sacked by Leeds United - with the Bolivia national team.

Bielsa has been out of work since parting way with Leeds following four defeats on the bounce, which left the club dangerously close to the relegation zone.

The 66-year-old brought Leeds back to the Premier League after a 16 year absence and his time in Yorkshire will be fondly remembered.

He's regarded as one of the greatest tactical minds in football and one national team is ready to make a move.

Bolivia will not be at this year's World Cup after a 3-0 loss to Colombia on Thursday, with president Fernando Costa already moving quickly to replace manager Cesar Farias.

"I won't deny that we are in touch with him," Costa explained per Daily Mail. "We have not yet had a meeting, but we are close to speaking with him.

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"We are speaking with a number of coaches, including national team managers, and listening to what they have to offer.

"Once we have a sheaf of proposals we will evaluate them.

"It is important to know how much money we have available for our national teams."

Bielsa's brought an entertaining style to Elland Road and the players bought into his philosophy.

They finished ninth in their first season back in the top-flight and sealed huge wins against eventual champions Manchester City as well as Tottenham Hotspur.

However, key players such captain Liam Cooper, Kalvin Phillips and Patrick Bamford have been plagued by injuries this season and Leeds' threadbare squad was pushed to the limit.

Bielsa likes to keep a small squad and refuses to deviate from his style, even if the players at his disposal aren't fully equipped to do what he asks of them.

He still has admirers for his bold style of play and the decision to part ways with him after four years was a tough one.

Jesse Marsch stepped in to replace Bielsa and it's marked an upturn in results, despite many being skeptical about the hire.

Marsch parted ways with RB Leipzig in December by mutual consent after four months in charge.

He's faring much better in England however and Leeds have won their last two games and sit eight points above the drop zone.

Topics: Marcelo Bielsa, Football, Leeds United

Daniel Marland

Daniel is a journalist for SPORTbible and he has previous experience with Manchester United. He has spoken to some of the biggest names in sport including Rio Ferdinand, Peter Crouch, WWE COO Triple H and WWE legend The Undertaker. May or may not do a decent impression of Jamie Carragher.

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