Leeds ‘considering three Marcelo Bielsa replacements’ if he leaves this summer
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Leeds United are tentatively planning for life after Marcelo Bielsa, with former Barcelona chief Ernesto Valverde one of three candidates that sporting director Victor Orta is keeping tabs on, according to reports.
Since his surprise arrival at Elland Road in 2018, Bielsa has been instrumental in reviving Leeds’ fortunes.
The Argentinian coach is revered by Leeds fans after ending the Whites’ 16-year exile from the Premier League, but he has just five months remaining on his current deal.
Although traditionally Bielsa has always waited until the summer to negotiate fresh terms, new reports suggest that Leeds are drawing up contingency plans just incase the 66-year-old decides to walk away after four years at the helm.
According to the Telegraph, Valverde is one of the names under consideration along with Huddersfield Town boss Carlos Corberan and former RB Leipzig chief Jesse March.
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It should be noted that all three coaches have similar philosophies to Bielsa, with Leeds clearly set on continuing the ex-Athletic Bilbao chief’s work.
Valverde and March are both currently out of work, but Leeds would have to pay compensation in order to prise Corberan away from their neighbours.
Intriguingly, Corberan is no stranger to Leeds or Bielsa after his time working under the veteran before he got his big break with Huddersfield back in July 2020.
Corberan has impressed during his short stint in management, but he has yet to amass a resume that can rival the likes of March and Valverde.
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March has won a host of titles under the Red Bull network, including two Austrian Bundesliga titles from his time at RB Salzburg.
However, March’s stock is high after his stint at Leipzig and he is likely to sought by clubs all over Europe in the wake of his availability.
Valverde enjoyed a trophy-laden three-year stint at Barcelona after replacing Luis Enrique back in 2017.
The 57-year-old steered the Spanish giants to consecutive league titles before he was axed by the club in 2020 after a dismal run of form.
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Manchester United considered appointing Valverde earlier in the season in the wake of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s dismissal before they eventually settled on handing the reins to Ralf Rangnick on an interim basis.
While Bielsa has enjoyed almost unrivalled success during his premiership at Elland Road, the Whites have struggled this term.
Leeds are currently just six points above the relegation zone and have won just five league games all season.
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