Another devastating loss for Leeds United in the Premier League has raised many questions about whether Marcelo Bielsa, 66, is still the right man for the job.
The Argentine has had his good moments with the Whites, but his time may be running short due to a combination of bad results and considering his abilities to manage a team. Leeds sits five points ahead of the relegation zone but has only won three games in 18 Premier League matches.
Leeds’ match schedule isn’t getting any easier as they’ll close out the year facing Liverpool and Aston Villa, a side under Steven Gerard who has taken his team from the bottom of the table, nearing relegation, to a few points away from European spots.
December has been a difficult month for Marcelo Bielsa and his Leeds side
In December, Bielsa has not won a match with Leeds, securing a draw and three straight losses. One problem for Bielsa against Liverpool is the number of goals conceded; Leeds is the second-highest conceding team with 36, only behind Newcastle’s 41 conceded goals.
They play the team with the most goals scored this season; the Reds have been clinical with 50 Premier League goals in 18 games played.
Bielsa’s time at Leeds may end earlier than expected.
This season’s poor results have raised questions about whether he should continue in 2022. He could make it till then and beyond, but time is ticking away if he doesn’t pick up a win against Liverpool or Aston Villa — losing both matches could mean that Leeds may have another manager soon after their first match of the year.
The Whites announced at the start of the season that Bielsa renewed his contract until the end of the 2021/2022 season. Bielsa took charge of The Whites in 2018. Since then, the Argentine has had his fair share of joyous moments with fans and players around the globe.
Marcelo Bielsa has lost three consecutive league games for the first time as Leeds United manager:
— William Hill (@WilliamHill) December 18, 2021
❌ 3-2 vs Chelsea
❌ 7-0 vs Man City
❌ 4-1 vs Arsenal
It was a pretty tough run. 😫 pic.twitter.com/SBOaqxBUq1
Leeds players need to pull up their socks
A change of heart must come from the players if they still ought to believe in Bielsa’s methods and coaching style. Brazilian international Raphinha has been essential in his performance, scoring eight goals this season.
Others have not enjoyed the same fate; Rodrigo, who came in from Valencia at the beginning of the season, has not performed at the highest potential, scoring two goals in 12 matches. A heel injury has ruled him out until January, maybe just in time for the comeback story of the year for Bielsa and company.
Whether or not Leeds decides to sack Bielsa at the end of the year or beginning of the new year, one thing is for sure — the players will be the same. Reinforcements must come in January that might help grant Bielsa a lifeline in his future.