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Ex-Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa’s future uncertain after talks with Bournemouth break down

Premier League side Bournemouth have ended their pursuit of former Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa after failing to agree to terms, report the Bournemouth Daily Echo via Football Insider.

The 67-year-old Argentine, revered by Whites fans for returning Leeds to England’s top-flight after a sixteen year absence, was sacked by the board in February of this year following a run of four-straight defeats which left the Yorkshire club precariously above the relegation zone.

This development will be welcome news to Leeds fans, who responded to recent reports detailing that Bielsa was in advanced talks with the Cherries with a mixture of surprise and upset. For many, the prospect of seeing such an iconic figure – dubbed endearingly as “El Loco” within the footballing sphere – in an opposition dugout was not one to relish.

During his tenure at Elland Road Bielsa managed 170 games for the Whites, achieving a win ratio of 47.6 per cent. His time in Yorkshire was the longest he’s ever managed at any one club.

For Bournemouth, the search continues for a permanent manager after Scott Parker’s sacking earlier this season after a 9-0 loss to Liverpool at the end of August.

Temporary manager Gary O’Neil, who has been in charge at the club since Parker’s departure, has overseen three wins, four draws, and four defeats in his 11 Premier League games so far. It is being reported that he is now being offered the position on a permanent basis.

A massive relief

As aforementioned, the thought of Bielsa assuming command of another club in England, let alone one which Leeds are yet to face for a second time this Premier League season, was not an easy one to stomach. Witnessing such a sight would undoubtedly have tainted Bielsa’s legacy at Elland Road for some, despite all he achieved during his time there.

Links with Everton do persist, but this news will still come as a relief as it reduces the probability of him taking up the managerial mantle once again in England by half.

The majority of Whites supporters will no doubt be hoping that the Everton connections, too, dissipate in time, leaving the overwhelmingly positive memories and enduring legacy left by “El Loco” during his time in Yorkshire completely intact.

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