Leeds keeping cool despite claims major suitor plans Bielsa approach

Leeds remain cautiously optimistic that Marcelo Bielsa will remain as manager into next season, despite reports Italian giants Roma were preparing an approach for the Argentinian.

United’s promotion hopes were ended on Wednesday night as they let slip a 2-0 aggregate lead against Derby as the Rams claimed a place in the play-off final against Aston Villa on Monday week.

Despite the doom and gloom around failing to end their 15-year hiatus from the Premier League, our feature explained why Leeds still had plenty of reasons to be optimistic this season.

Key to their optimism going forwards surrounds the future of Bielsa and keeping their head coach in place for another season will be key to their hopes of promotion again next season.

Bielsa signed a two-year deal with Leeds last summer, and while any early exit between the parties is strictly in the hands of the Yorkshire club, it is claimed the former Argentina and Chile coach will need certain assurances about his playing staff and budget for the summer before committing himself to the club for another season.

And while Leeds are reportedly hopeful that an extension of Bielsa’s stay at Elland Road will soon be announced, reports in Italy could yet throw a spanner in the works.

According to reknown transfer specialist Gianluca Di Marzio, Roma – who last week announced that temporary boss Claudio Ranieri would be leaving at the end of the season – have Bielsa on a shortlist of three names to permanently succeed the sacked Eusebio Di Francesco.

He claims Bielsa is currently on the Serie A side’s wishlist, which also includes Gian Piero Gasperini and Maurizio Sarri.

At this stage, Leeds do not have too much cause for alarm and keeping Bielsa remains in their hands.

Following the play-off defeat to Derby on Wednesday, Bielsa announced he was prepared to listen to the club about extending his stay into a second season.

Following the loss, Bielsa said: “If the club offers me the possibility to carry on I will listen to this proposal.

“It’s a painful situation and we’re all disappointed,” he added.

Bielsa had an ill-fated two-day spell in charge of Roma’s city rivals Lazio back in 2016 before walking away from the job.

The Leeds manager is also seemingly planning ahead for next season at Elland Road too with the club said to be in advanced talks to sign a Barcelona B forward. 

 

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