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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Michael Gowler

Marcelo Bielsa 'evaluating' next club as first offer emerges after Leeds exit

Former Leeds coach Marcelo Bielsa could soon returning to management following reports that Mexican outfit C.D. Guadalajara have made him an offer.

The 66-year-old was sacked by the Whites after just shy of four years in charge at the end of February following a string of poor results. The Argentine's final four matches at the helm saw his side ship 17 goals as they were left languishing a mere two points above the Premier League 's relegation zone.

Despite having guided Leeds back to English football's top-flight in 2020 following a 16-year absence, Bielsa was dismissed with former RB Leipzig boss Jesse Marsch appointed as his replacement. However, the vastly experienced coach could soon be back in the dugout.

According to South American journalist Cesar Luis Merlo, Mexican club Chivas are offering Bielsa a route back into management and it is understood the former Leeds coach is evaluating the possibility of taking up the proposal. The reports states that Bielsa and his staff have been analysing footage of the Liga MX club's most recent matches in order to assess whether or not 'The Goats' can be moulded into a side capable of adapting to his revered coaching style and philosophy.

However, Chivas are reportedly not alone in their admiration of Bielsa. It is also understood that 'El Loco' has other offers on the table, including one from an unnamed South American national team.

Chivas are keen to appoint a new manager having sacked Marcelo Michel Leano last month. The 35-year-old was dismissed following a disappointing start to the latest 2022 Clausura season, in which Leano guided Chivas to a mere three wins in their opening 13 league matches.

Join the debate! Do you think Leeds made a mistake in sacking Marcelo Bielsa? Comment your prediction below.

Leeds remain two points are the Premier League's relegation zone despite replacing Bielsa with Jesse Marsch at the end of February (AFP via Getty Images)

Should Bielsa accept the offer, it wouldn't be the first time he has managed in Mexico. The Argentine tactician previously coached Atlas and Club America during the 1990s, prior to trying his hand at management over in Europe.

Chivas adhere to strict traditions which stipulate that only Mexicans can represent the club - a symbolic show of pride and identity. This won't come as anything new to Bielsa, whose previous management experience includes coaching Athletic Bilbao from 2011 to 2013 - a club who, by tradition, only field players who are born or raised in the Basque Country.

Following the decision to sack Bielsa in late February, Leeds chairman Andrea Radrizzani said: "This has been the toughest decision I have had to make during my tenure at Leeds United, taking into account all the success Marcelo has had at the club.

"With Marcelo as our head coach, we had three incredible campaigns and the good times returned to Elland Road. He changed the culture of the club and brought a winning mentality to us all.

"I have to act in the best interest of the club and I believe a change is required now in order to secure our Premier League status. Recent results and performances have not met our expectations."

Despite a change of manager, Leeds remain two points above the Premier League's relegation zone, with a mere four matches remaining. That slender advantage is held over Everton, however Frank Lampard 's side also have a game in hand over the Whites.

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