CLUB STATEMENT: MARCELO BIELSA - Leedsunited.com 27/2/22
Leeds United can today confirm the club have parted company with head coach Marcelo Bielsa.
The 66-year-old was in charge of the team for over
three-and-a-half years, having taken the reins in June 2018.
He transformed the club’s fortunes on the pitch, which began
with the 3-1 demolition of Stoke City at Elland Road two months later and he
led Leeds to the Sky Bet Championship Play-Offs in his first full season in
charge.
In his second campaign Bielsa succeeded where those before
him had failed, guiding the club to the Sky Bet Championship title, winning the
division by 10 points, and resulting in promotion back to the Premier League
for the first time in 16 years.
On the club’s return to the top-flight, Leeds finished
ninth, securing the highest points tally by a newly promoted side in the
Premier League since the 2000/01 campaign.
However, this season has proved to be difficult and the team
has recorded just five Premier League wins.
Leeds United chairman Andrea Radrizzani said: “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.
“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.”
Plans for a permanent tribute to Marcelo at Elland Road are
under way and more information will be released in due course.
Leeds United will aim to make an announcement on a new
appointment tomorrow.