‘Huge coup’ – Exclusive: Pundit reacts with reported Leeds £16m deal on the table
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United…
Paul Robinson has said that Leeds United pulled off a “huge coup” when they persuaded Marcelo Bielsa to stay at the club and he fully expects him to sign an extended contract in the Premier League.
Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani said he expected Bielsa to stay on and manage Leeds in the Premier League, although he said it would be an honour for any manager.
The Sun have reported that Bielsa is being offered an £8m-a-year deal that would keep him at Elland Road until 2022.
Robinson believes all the cards are in front of Bielsa and he thinks the 65-year-old could literally name his terms when it comes to a new deal.
Talking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, Robinson said, “Bielsa and the owners have to take all the credit for promotion. Leeds pulled off a huge coup after holding onto the manager for this season and I expect him to stay.
“People like Pochetino describe Bielsa as a ‘guru’. He more than deserves a new contract. I think he could sit at the table and dictate how his future is going to pan out.
“He’s of an age now where you just don’t know if he’s looking to retire or where he’s thinking of spending the rest of his life. I’m sure he has family that he wants to be with.
“But, at the moment, he could sit down with the owners and directors and basically plan out his own future and how he wants it to be.
“However long he stays for, though, it’s really important that he stays with the club for the next few years.”
The Leeds fans have fallen for Bielsa hook, line and sinker and it’s not surprising.
It’s not that he’s finally delivered promotion back to the Premier League, but it’s the manner in which he’s done it.
The football has been thrilling, and Bielsa has also won the hearts and minds of the fans with his down-to-earth humble lifestyle and obsession with detail.
In other Leeds United news, ESPN journalist: Leeds in hunt for £80k/wk PL int’l, will be free agent & has played for Bielsa