Leeds United "preparing" for Marcelo Bielsa exit, admits Andrea Radrizzani

Leeds United chairman Andrea Radrizzani says the club are "preparing" for manager Marcelo Bielsa to leave at the expiry of his contract this summer.

However, the Whites remain hopeful the Argentine will stay at Elland Road for at least another season.

Bielsa was appointed Leeds boss in June 2018 and ended the club's 16-year absence from the Premier League by winning the Championship last season.

Results in the top flight have been mixed this campaign but Leeds have won plaudits for their exhilarating attacking style.

Bielsa also has his own host of admirers and finished third in the 2020 Best FIFA Football Coach awards.

The 65-year-old has preferred short-term projects over the years and his two-and-a-half season stint at Leeds is the longest of his career as a club manager.

But Radrizzani hopes Bielsa will pen a new deal to keep him in West Yorkshire, telling CBS Sports: "Marcelo knows we are happy with him.

"If he stays, we are really delighted to continue. If the group is happy with him, I am also happy and we should continue.

Is Marcelo Bielsa one of the top three managers in the Premier League? Have your say in the comments.

"So, it's up to him. We wait on his decision but in any case, myself and Victor have already analysed the options and what to do in case Marcelo does not want to be with us.

"We hope he will continue but in any case we are preparing the club. [But] I believe this team is not finished yet, [and] Marcelo as well.

"They need to come and enjoy Elland Road with the fans in the Premier League. It's what he deserves as a manager, and it's a unique experience."

Meanwhile, the Argentinian wing of Spanish publication AS claims there is growing confidence among all parties that Bielsa will remain at Leeds and states the club "shouldn't be worried about their future".

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