
Marcelo Bielsa’s contract runs out in the summer and it remains to be seen as to whether he will sign an extension. Either way, Leeds have been looking at contingency options should the Argentine choose to leave Yorkshire.
However, this is the way Marcelo Bielsa negotiates his contracts. He has signed 3 1-year deals since arriving at Leeds in 2018 to ensure that if his promises aren’t fulfilled, he can walk away. This season meant that he has stayed at Leeds for longer than he had at any other club but there’s always the fear that one day the magic will subside, and he’ll be on his way.
There were encouraging statements from Bielsa last week though, as he claimed he was grateful for the opportunity that Leeds have given him as he deflected credit for the club’s promotion “I didn’t take Leeds to the Premier League. I manage in the Premier League because of Leeds.”
Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani wants him to stay as well, stating “If he stays, we are really delighted to continue. If the group is happy with him, I am also happy and we should continue.” However, due to the unpredictability of Marcelo Bielsa, Leeds have identified alternatives should the dream finally end.
Portuguese journalist Bruno Andrade claims that Leeds have identified Sporting CP boss Ruben Amorim as the likely successor should Bielsa choose to leave the club. Amorim has guided Sporting CP to the top of the Primeira Liga, sitting 9 points clear of Porto in second and are yet to lose in the league this season.
The 36 year old seems to be a talented coach, but Leeds will still hope that Bielsa chooses to stay on for a 4th year. “We hope he will continue but in any case we are preparing the club.” Radrizzani noted.
