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Bielsa departs Leeds after Tottenham defeat

Marcelo Bielsa has left his role as Leeds United manager by mutual consent after a fourth successive Premier League defeat to Tottenham.

The Yorkshire side were thoroughly beaten 4-0 by Antonio Conte’s men at Elland Road on Saturday after goals from Matt Doherty, Dejan Kulusevski, Harry Kane and a late Heung-Min Son strike. The defeat leaves Leeds in a precarious position just two points clear of the drop having played two games more than 18th placed Burnley. This followed a 6-0 hammering by Liverpool on Wednesday.

Former Argentina and Lille coach Bielsa joined Leeds back in June 2018 and enjoyed a successful stint in England. He was responsible for leading the lily-whites back into the top division after a 16-year absence. 

He was widely praised in his first season in the Premier League for his managerial style which encourages his  players to press from the front in a man to man system. This led to the survival of Leeds and a very commendable ninth placed finish.

However a tricky 2021/22 season led to the decision to leave the club after almost four years in charge. Leeds have struggled for consistency and after four defeats on the bounce, conceding 16 goals in the process, it doesn’t come as a surprise to many. Perhaps unfortunate due to the injuries of key influential players such as Patrick Bamford and Kalvin Phillips, the manner of the performances as well as the results have not hit the height of the previous year.

The board seemingly have a replacement lined up in former RB Leipzig coach Jesse Marsch who is firm favourite to take over the reigns. Marsch, a former United States international, previously managed in the MLS before switching to Red Bull Salzburg and completing the Austrian league and cup double in consecutive seasons.He was then appointed as Julian Nagelsmann’s successor at RB Leipzig but was sacked after just four months in charge.


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