Leeds sack Argentine coach Bielsa

Leeds United announced today, Sunday, the dismissal of Argentine coach Marcelo Bielsa, who returned him to the English Premier League last season for the first time since the 2003-2004 season, due to poor results, the latest of which was the 4-0 loss on Saturday against Tottenham.

"Leeds United can confirm today that the club has separated from coach Marcelo Bielsa. The 66-year-old has been in charge of the team for more than three and a half years after taking up the role in June 2018," Leeds said in a statement.

Leeds praised the Argentine coach, who "changed the club's fortunes on the pitch since the big win two months later against Stoke City 3-1... (in the second level league), to lead the team to the play-off in his first full season with the team."

And he continued, "In his second campaign, Bielsa succeeded where his predecessors failed, and led the club to the title with a difference of 10 points over its closest rivals, which allowed us to return to the English Premier League for the first time in 16 years."

In its first season after returning among the seniors, Leeds finished the season ninth, achieving the largest number of points for a newly promoted team since the 2000-2001 season, according to the club, adding, "But this season has proven to be difficult and the team has achieved only five victories in the English Premier League." It put him in 17th place, just two points above the relegation zone after 26 games.

"It was the most difficult decision I had to make during my tenure at Leeds United, given all the success that Marcelo has had at the club," said Leeds President Andrea Radrizzani.

Leeds stated that "plans are underway to honor Marcelo," revealing that "we will make an announcement regarding the new appointment (Bielsa's successor) tomorrow (Monday)."

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