Phil Hay: Bielsa exit plus relegation would see drop in demand for Leeds United season tickets
Leeds United are likely to start selling more players, having signed a number of them without showing too many the exit door.
That’s according to The Athletic’s Phil Hay, who claims that Jesse Marsch must do everything he can to keep Leeds in the Premier League.
If that doesn’t happen, it could have a cascading financial effect, given the staggering wage bill at the club.
Speaking on The Athletic Football Podcast, Hay said, “Financially, they would have a wage bill that would be unsustainable in the Championship. They have spent a lot on players without getting cash in return.
“I suspect that’s going to change very soon with players like Raphinha set to be targeted. Whether or not they go, depends on the money offered. Clubs will take advantage that they can offer more than Leeds.
“They also have plans to expand Elland Road to 55,000. At the moment, they’ve got a massive waiting list of over 20,000 so filling the stadium is not a concern.
“But the demand was there because Bielsa’s football was appealing, but now that’s gone. The numbers were high because they were also in the Premier League.”
Scary
Relegation is a very realistic threat that’s facing Marsch as he takes over the reins at Elland Road.
Failure to finish 17th or higher could be devastating for the club and may even put the project a few years back.
For all of Bielsa’s vices, there was at least the assurance that he had the complete backing of the Leeds dressing room.
One cannot fathom how they will take to Marsch as it would be the biggest club he’s ever taken over in his career.
He will also have to get the likes of Raphinha and Rodrigo onside as they’re linked with moves to bigger clubs.
Whether or not Kalvin Phillips and Patrick Bamford would want to stay after Bielsa’s gone, remains to be seen.
Marsch has plenty on his hands and does not have enough time to dip his feet in the water.
In other Leeds United news, a Super Computer has made Leeds’s relegation prediction after big loss v Spurs & Bielsa sack