Journalist Beren Cross has admitted that he can’t guarantee that Marcelo Bielsa would stay at Leeds United in January if they are in the relegation zone.
The Lowdown: Bielsa going through tough spell
The Argentine has been a revelation as Whites manager, guiding them back into the Premier League, becoming an iconic modern-day figure at Elland Road and being hailed as ‘special’ and a ‘genius’ by Mauricio Pochettino.
This season has been a struggle for Bielsa so far, however, with Leeds sitting 17th in the table and winning just one of their opening eight league matches.
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The Latest: Cross provides update
Speaking in a Q&A for Leeds Live, Cross responded to a question regarding a potential January exit for Bielsa, admitting it isn’t out of the question, even though he expects him to stay:
“Great question. Honestly, I don’t know. I doubt even Bielsa knows how he would react to that situation and, of course, he never wants to predict the future anyway.
“My gut says he would want to get Leeds out of the mess he would, predictably, blame himself for. If Leeds wanted him to go and they were in the bottom three, I wonder what clauses there are in place to protect him or whether he would just step aside if he was not wanted.
“It would have to be pretty desperate and irreconcilable for Leeds to want to do that, mid-season though. In short, yes I think he would still be in charge.”
The Verdict: Would be a surprise
In truth, it would be a huge surprise if Bielsa suddenly left in January because Leeds were still struggling, with the 66-year-old far more loyal than that.
He will surely see out the rest of the season, considering he is a man of his word and signed a one-year deal in the summer, then potentially reassess his Whites future once the campaign reaches its conclusion.
Hopefully, Leeds are well clear of the relegation zone come January, regardless.
In other news, one Leeds player has been ruled out for a month. Find out who it is here.
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