Leeds in talks with Bielsa over exit; replacement already lined up

Marcelo Bielsa’s future at Leeds United looks uncertain following another poor result for the Whites.

On Saturday, Leeds fell to a 4-0 defeat at the hands of Tottenham at Elland Road.

It marked the fifth Premier League game in a row where Leeds have conceded three or more goals in one match.

In midweek, Liverpool hammered the Whites 6-0, while last Sunday, Manchester United ran out 4-2 winners.

A week earlier, Everton beat Leeds 3-0 winners, and before that, Bielsa’s side played out a 3-3 draw at Aston Villa.

Leeds have lost four consecutive Premier League games for the first time since the 2003-04 campaign.

Now, multiple media outlets are claiming the Leeds hierarchy is considering a change in the dugout.

The Athletic has written that Jesse Marsch is a leading candidate to replace Bielsa as Leeds head coach.

Meanwhile, 90Min have gone further, claiming Leeds are now in talks with the Argentine about how his departure will pan out.

The outlet claims the Whites have decided to part company with Bielsa and will look to hand Marsch the reins.

90Min, citing their sources, say the 48-year-old had already spoken to intermediaries about taking over at Leeds in the summer.

This was the assumption that Bielsa would be leaving the club at the end of the season.

That prospective appointment is now “looking likely” to be brought forward, added the report.

The Athletic reports that it remains possible that Bielsa could yet to decide to walk away from the club of his own volition.

His departure will be complicated for Leeds to manage, added the outlet.

He reportedly has a complex contract and pays his own backroom staff, meaning Leeds must yet work out how to pay them off.

A tough decision for Leeds – TBR View

Bielsa has achieved legendary status at Elland Road after guiding Leeds back to the Premier League in 2020.

Under his leadership, the Whites returned to the top flight after a painful 16 years away.

Leeds also became one of the most entertaining teams in the division and finished ninth last season.

If Bielsa were to leave Leeds, it would be heart-breaking for fans, given all he has done for the club.

At the same time, however, the Whites really are struggling at present and their top-flight status is in jeopardy.