Leeds United

Marcelo Bielsa named new Leeds United manager

By Barney Corkhill, Editor | 15 June 2018

Leeds United confirm the appointment of former Argentina head coach Marcelo Bielsa as their new manager on a two-year deal, with the option of a further year.

Leeds United have confirmed the appointment of Marcelo Bielsa as their new manager on a two-year deal.

The 62-year-old is a high-profile appointment for the Championship club, having previously coached the Argentina and Chile national teams, in addition to winning top-flight titles in his native Argentina with Newell's Old Boys and Velez Sarsfield.

Bielsa has also previously led Athletic Bilbao to the finals of the Europa League and Copa del Rey, and he has now put pen to paper on a two-year deal at Elland Road, with the option of a further year on top of that.

"I am delighted to accept the role of head coach at Leeds United," Bielsa told the club's official website.

"It has always been my ambition to work in England and I have had several opportunities to do so during my career, however I have always felt it was important to wait for the right project to come along and so when a club with Leeds United's history made me an offer, it was impossible to turn down.

"I am excited for the challenge ahead and I look forward to collaborating with Victor, Andrea and Angus, as we work hard to achieve great things at this football club."

Chairman Andrea Radrizzani added: "I am thrilled to welcome Marcelo and his staff to Leeds United.

"He is a coach that I have admired for many years and when the opportunity arose to bring him to Elland Road, we made it our top priority for the summer. Marcelo has a wealth of experience and he will use that to create a new culture and a winning mentality at our football club.

"I would like to thank Victor Orta and Angus Kinnear for all of the hard work that has gone into this appointment and I look forward to progressing together."

Bielsa, who has also spent time in charge of Marseille, Lazio and Lille during a well-travelled managerial career, will be tasked with returning Leeds to the top flight for the first time since 2003-04.