Leeds United are fighting to get promoted to the Premier League after their slip up in the last few games. With promotion not guaranteed now, reports started emerging that Marcelo Bielsa could leave the club if they fail to reach the English top flight.
More fuel was added to the fire when Bielsa was asked about his future, and he said, ”It’s not up to me, and I don’t have any more response to that. It’s not a decision we have to take now, and it’s not the right time to give my opinion.”
The fact that he didn’t confidently say that he would stay at Elland Road even if they fail to get promoted meant that various news outlets had a field day where they claimed Bielsa is likely to leave the club. However, the manager recently came out and cleared all the rumours regarding him which should delight the Whites faithful.
What did Bielsa say?
The Argentine manager said, ”I have never said if we don’t get promoted I won’t carry on my work here.”
It’s clear that he isn’t opposed to staying at the West Yorkshire outfit and carrying on in the Championship for another season. The fans would be gutted if they don’t get promoted this season, but one positive they will still have is that Bielsa would be willing to continue his work at the club.
What should the club do if they fail to get promoted?
To be fair, the Whites have punched above their weight for the most parts this season. The club didn’t invest much in terms of bringing in talents, and Bielsa more or less got the same team which finished 13th in the last campaign. Many fans would have jumped at the opportunity of playing in the playoffs at the start of the season, and Bielsa even managed to bring them to the cusp of direct promotion.
Even if they fail to achieve promotion, the club should look at this past year as a successful run. Then they need to back the manager in the transfer market so that this squad can cope up with injuries. Often this season, the 63-year-old had to use makeshift players, and quite a few players have played out of position.
With some smart signings, United would be one of the favourites to move to the Premier League next season. Recent comments from Bielsa should come as music to the ears of the United faithful as they would have dreaded to see their saviour leave after just one season.
