BBC Match of the Day 2 pundits Leon Osman and Stephen Warnock believe Leeds United have made the right decision parting company with Marcelo Bielsa.
Bielsa ’s three-and-a-half-year reign at Elland Road came to an on Sunday as the Whites suffered their fourth successive defeat with a 4-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur.
Leeds have conceded 20 goals in their last five Premier League matches – form which has seen them plummet to well within the relegation battle.
The 66-year-old’s time at Elland Road was littered with success both on and off the field as helped rekindle the relationship between the club and its supporters.
Bielsa also helped end the 16-year wait for Premier League football as he guided them to promotion to the Championship in 2020.
Speaking on Sunday's Match of the Day 2, Osman says that while it will be an incredibly emotional time for the fans, the defensive record over the last few weeks meant it was a decision that had to be made.
He said: Yeah there’s been a real connection between Leeds United and Marcelo Bielsa. The journey that they’ve been on together, the love they have for each other, the entertainment that he’s brought to the club.
“But ultimately they have to do what they can to stay in the Premier League. They’ve conceded far too many goals, it’s 20 in this month - that’s a record. They’ve conceded three or more goals in five consecutive games, they just look like they’re dropping like a stone.
“I think it would be really detrimental if Leeds were to drop back out of the Premier League so they need to do everything they can to try and stay.”
Former Whites defender Warnock echoed the words of Osman as he stated that his refusal to adapt the system has ultimately cost him his job.
He said: “Everyone says what’s the definition of insanity. Do the same over and over again and get the same results and that’s what it seems to be. You’ve got to adapt, when Jurgen Klopp came into the Premier League they played gegenpressing, it was heavy metal and everyone said: ‘you won’t win the Premier League’.
“He changed the style, changed the system and adapted to it, the best managers in the world adapt. It was hugely frustrating because we’re all big fans of Marcelo Bielsa. It’s that personality he’s got.
“He’s brought that entertainment but when you’ve got to dig deep you’ve got to be organised and resolute. They aren’t, they’re far too easy to play against, far too easy to pass through the middle of.
“The man for man system, I think has become frustrating for the players as well because you see centre halves going past midfielders into centre forward positions because they leave gaps for you. It’s too easy to play against.”
