Leeds United have parted company with Marcelo Bielsa following a 4-0 defeat to Tottenham on Saturday, with Jesse Marsch expected to take over.
Marsch, 48, was most recently in charge of RB Leipzig and has previously coached in MLS and the Austrian Bundesliga.
Leeds chairman Andrea Radrizzani said: “This has been the toughest decision I have had to make during my tenure at Leeds United, taking into account all the success Marcelo has had at the club.
“With Marcelo as our head coach, we had three incredible campaigns and the good times returned to Elland Road. He changed the culture of the club and brought a winning mentality to us all. The moments created, particularly in the 2019/20 season and winning promotion to the Premier League, will of course live long in all our memories, myself and the fans included.
“However, I have to act in the best interest of the club and I believe a change is required now in order to secure our Premier League status. Recent results and performances have not met our expectations.”
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Bielsa leaves with Leeds one place above the relegation zone and just two points clear of 18th-placed Burnley, having played two games more.
The Argentine was responsible for taking the Whites back to the Premier League for the first time since relegation in 2004 and kept them up at the first time of asking.
However, his four-year reign ended with Leeds shipping 20 goals in their last five games, defeat to Spurs at Elland Road following a 6-0 humiliation at the hands of Liverpool.
That epitomised question marks over his tactical rigidity, particularly in approaching sides who left the back four exposed.
There is no denying the remarkable legacy he leaves behind in Yorkshire nonetheless; one of the most influential coaches of a generation who was willing to take the reins in the second tier and who had a transformative impact on a squad still largely equipped for the Championship.
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“Since arriving at Leeds United Marcelo had a huge impact on the club, on a scale I have not seen before,” director of football Victor Orta said.
“He has created a legacy, overseeing major infrastructure improvements at Thorp Arch, uniting the supporters and the players, and giving a clear pathway for young players to transition into the first team.”
Bielsa’s demise was certainly not helped by injuries to Patrick Bamford and Kalvin Phillips, the latter’s absence decimating a midfield who had previously been combative.
Marsch could be in charge for Leeds’ next Premier League game against Leicester City on 5 March.
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