Leeds United expected to name new manager as fans react to Bielsa sacking

Marcelo Bielsa was dropped by the club on Sunday, with the side just two points above the Premier League relegation zone

Marcelo Bielsa
Author: Liam ArrowsmithPublished 28th Feb 2022

Leeds United are expected to appoint a new manager after sacking Marcelo Bielsa after nearly four years in charge.

Bielsa was appointed in 2018, taking the side back to the Premier League after a 16 year absence.

But after taking just one point from their last six games, club chairman Andrea Radrizzani said he believed "change" was needed- admitting it was the "toughest decision he'd had to make".

American Jesse Marsch is the favourite to takeover from Bielsa- after a five month spell at German side RB Leipzig.

The club say they hope to make an announcement about their new boss on Monday.

Players react to Bielsa sacking

Leeds' players have rallied around their now former boss, to thank him for his time at the club.

Posting on social media, defender Kalvin Phillips said: "You saw in me what I didn’t even see in myself."

"You helped me grow as a player but most importantly as a person."

Meanwhile, striker Patrick Bamford called Bielsa "the man who changed everything, for everyone".

Director of football Victor Orta said it was "disappointing" for Bielsa to leave after a bad spell of form.

But he added the club "couldn't ignore recent results", and thanked Bielsa for his "commitment and dedication."

Fans await new manager announcement

Fans have also been reacting on Twitter to the news that Leeds are continuing without Marcelo Bielsa.

Bryn Law tweeted "it was an absolutle privilege to watch a team coached by Marcelo Bielsa" over the past three seasons, and an "incredible education".

Meanwhile, Ell Spence said she "wasn't ready" to watch a Leeds team without Bielsa at the helm.

There's also been some reaction to heavy rumours that former RB Leipzig and Reb Bull Salzburg Jesse Marsch has been lined up as Bielsa's successor.

Matchday host Oscar Marrio tweeted "Marsch would be a great fit" calling him a "top coach" and "likeable".

Fan Lewy Pearce also called on other supporters to "get behind Marsch" and back the Leeds players.

Leeds United head to Leicester on Saturday and are currently 16th in the Premier League table.

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