Former Leeds United midfielder Vinnie Jones thinks the sacking of Marcelo Bielsa was the right decision but the memories he brought to the club will remain forever.
Bielsa was relieved of his duties on Sunday after over three-and-a-half-years in charge at Elland Road and has been replaced by former RB Leipzig manager Jesse Marsch.
The current season was without doubt Bielsa’s toughest during his time at the club as he leaves Leeds sat 16 th in the Premier League and just two points clear of 18 th place Burnley.
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The 66-year-old guided the Whites to promotion to the Premier League and a ninth-place finish in their first season back in the top-flight.
However, after four consecutive defeats and 20 goals conceded in their last five matches, Leeds took the decision to part company with the Argentine.
Speaking in his latest EasyOdds column, Jones acknowledged that their recent defensive record and Bielsa’s unwillingness to change meant his departure was the right decision but will be forever grateful for the success he brought to the club.
He said: “It was time to go, but what memories he’s left us Leeds fans.
“I’m talking, of course, about Marcelo Bielsa who left his post as Leeds manager last week after three and a half years in charge.
“After recent results, you can’t blame the club. They had to take action or Leeds were facing a relegation scrap - so good luck to incoming manager Jesse Marsch. He looks and sounds like a smart cookie, so I’m more than hopeful he can turn things round.
“However, for Bielsa, injuries took their toll. The spine of the team had crumbled - Patrick Bamford, Kalvin Phillips and Liam Cooper were big misses - and Leeds were running on empty it seemed.
“Even so, Bielsa just didn’t want to change things.
“You have to admire his stubbornness in many ways. He had his way of playing, free-flowing and high-energy, but they punish you in the Premier League if you leave space - and his teams were leaving acres of space.”
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