‘Not an option’ – Chris Sutton says Leeds have added pressure after sacking Marcelo Bielsa
Chris Sutton believes Leeds made the wrong decision in sacking Marcelo Bielsa, as there is even more pressure on them to survive relegation now.
The Whites sacked the Argentine boss after nine losses in 12 games left them in 16th place in the league table, just two points above Burnley having played two extra games.
But while the decision has seemingly been on the cards for a little while now, Sutton told the Daily Mail that he isn’t sure the decision was the right one and that relegation is ‘not an option’ now they’ve changed managers.
“I’m not sure getting rid of him was the right move to make, in truth,” he said.
“There is a heap of pressure on Leeds to survive now under his replacement. You only needed to look at the reaction of the fans to understand what Bielsa means to them.
“They’re heartbroken. They adored him. They’d love a statue of him sitting on his bucket to be installed outside Elland Road, and I bet we hear his name sung by the supporters at their next home game.
“You can’t sack this beloved boss and still go down. That’s just not an option. If that happens, there will be a real feeling of toxicity towards the board. Bielsa got Leeds through tough spells in the past.”
Must Marsch on.
It looks as though Jesse Marsch will be the replacement for Bielsa at Elland Road, and he will need the fans to be on his side from the start to have any hopes of turning it around.
The American is a boss who loves attacking football, with intense high pressing, possession football and an attacking style. He will suit Leeds, but he needs to steady them defensively now.
His recent spell at RB Leipzig ended in disaster, as he was sacked less than half a season into his tenure, but the club have been scouting him for two years for this role.
They believe he is the right man and after making the decision to bring Bielsa in back in 2018, the board have earned the right to have the backing of the fans in their decision making.
Bielsa was given a chance to turn it around and unfortunately for him he couldn’t deliver, but Sutton is right when he says that Marsch has to get it right or he’ll be fighting a losing battle from the start with the fans.
In other Leeds news, Phil Hay: Leeds watch manager for two years as major decision looms at Elland Road