Report shares what Orta has told Bielsa about his Leeds future

By Jordan Harris

Victor Orta has told Marcelo Bielsa that they are not prepared to wait until the summer to learn whether he plans to stay at Leeds United for another year, according to a report from the Daily Mirror (24/11; page 56).

Bielsa is now in his fourth season as Whites boss. In fact, he has spent longer at Elland Road than he has at any club during his managerial career.

Of course, he has enjoyed a lot of success. Bielsa guided Leeds to promotion to the Premier League, and a top-half finish in their first year in the top flight.

Despite that progression, Bielsa has never committed to longer than a year at a time when it comes to contract negotiations.

With that in mind, his current deal expires at the end of this season. But Leeds fans have become accustomed to his future being resolved in the summer. And thus, they have rarely had to worry too much about his plans midway through a season.

However, it would appear that Leeds may want to break away from tradition this time around.

The Daily Mirror (24/11; page 56) reports that Orta is desperate for Bielsa to stay next season. However, he has apparently told the Leeds boss that he wants a decision on his future before the end of the campaign.

The report adds that Orta has identified three potential replacements for Bielsa should he decide to not continue beyond this year. It was recently reported that an initial approach for Diego Martinez had been made.

Leeds yet to reach their ceiling under Marcelo Bielsa

It does appear that Leeds’ focus for the time-being will be on getting themselves out of trouble in the Premier League.

It has been a difficult campaign. And Bielsa is potentially facing the toughest challenge of his tenure to date.

However, there are reasons for Leeds’ form. And injuries have decimated the squad at times this season.

Remarkably, Bielsa is still yet to have a fully fit first-team squad during his time at Leeds.

The good news is the likes of Robin Koch and Patrick Bamford appear to be edging closer to a return. Meanwhile, Raphinha and Rodrigo have returned to training.

And with performances improving, there is every reason to think that Leeds can soon get themselves back on track.

Perhaps from there, the Whites can look once again at seeing how far Bielsa can really take the squad.