Marcelo Bielsa’s future as Leeds United manager remains up in the air but his replacement will be an ‘external’ one, according to journalist Phil Hay.
The Lowdown: Inspirational leader
The 66-year-old has done an incredible job in charge of the Whites, guiding them back into the Premier League after 16 years in the wilderness and being hailed as ‘special’ by Mauricio Pochettino.
Not only that, but Bielsa has clicked with the supporters, coming across as a down-to-earth character and playing some of the best football at Elland Road in many years.
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The Latest: Phil unsure over future
The Argentine only signed a one-year deal in the summer, however, meaning constant question marks surround his long-term future at Leeds.
Responding to questions from fans for The Athletic, Hay admitted it is hard to predict what will happen next, with a decision likely to be made at the end of the season again:
“It would be someone external. Leeds always keep a shortlist because they have to be prepared for the day when the Bielsa era ends, in the same way as you plan for future transfer windows.“Dan O also asked if this will be Bielsa’s final season. There’s honestly no way of answering that. It’ll depend on various things, not least how well this season goes. Because he signs contracts year-to-year, he’s difficult to second guess.”
The Verdict: Judge it in the summer
Bielsa’s future may depend on how Leeds do between now and the end of the 2021/22 campaign, with the veteran potentially feeling he has taken the team as far as he can.
The vast majority of Whites supporters will surely be desperate for him to sign another contract extension, however, given the way he has transformed the club since arriving in 2018.
Last weekend’s 1-0 win at home to Watford is hopefully something to build on and Leeds will rise up the table moving forward.
In other news, Hay has also been discussing who Leeds’ most important player is. Read more here.
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