Marcelo Bielsa has left Leeds United after three and a half years at the football club.
In a statement from the club, Leeds United confirmed that themselves and head coach Marcelo Bielsa had 'parted company' over the weekend.
The 66-year-old has taken the team through a fight to the Premier League since June 2018 and won't be forgotten by Leeds anytime soon.
Image: Leeds United
Tributes to the manager have poured in from the team, including player Kalvin Philips.
"Thank you Marcelo for everything you have done for me. You saw in me what I didn’t even see in myself. You helped me grow as a player but most importantly as a person. Wishing you all the best in your next chapter. Gracias Marcelo. Vamos Leeds Carajo".
Leeds United in 2020. / Image: Marcelo Bielsa, Instagram
In a press release, Director of football Victor Orta added: “Since arriving at Leeds United Marcelo had a huge impact on the club, on a scale I have not seen before.
“He has created a legacy, overseeing major infrastructure improvements at Thorp Arch, uniting the supporters and the players, and giving a clear pathway for young players to transition into the first team.
“It is disappointing his reign has had to end in this manner".
Image: Leeds United
The news followed a dramatic 4-0 defeat by Tottenham on Saturday, taking their past four games to an aggregate score of 17-2. However, during his time with Leeds United, Bielsa shared a great deal of triumphant wins at the club that haven't been forgotten.
Upon his arrival in 2018, Bielsa transformed the club’s fortunes, leading Leeds to the Sky Bet Championship Play-Offs in his first full season in charge.
In his second campaign, Bielsa brought new energy to the club and succeeded where those before him had failed. The coach guided the club to the Sky Bet Championship title, winning the division by 10 points, and resulting in promotion back to the Premier League for the first time in 16 years.
Image: Leeds United
On the club’s return to the top-flight, Leeds finished ninth, securing the highest points tally by a newly promoted side in the Premier League since the 2000/01 campaign- a huge achievement that Bielsa can be proud of as manager,
The club went on to state that, this season has proved to be difficult and the team has recorded just five Premier League wins.
Leeds United 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.
"He changed the culture of the club and brought a winning mentality to us all. The moments created, particularly in the 2019/20 season and winning promotion to the Premier League, will of course live long in all our memories, myself and the fans included.
“However, 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."
A new managerial appointment is set to be announced later today.
Feature Image- Leeds United
Leeds
One of Leeds’ most historic buildings is being transformed into an all-day cafe, bar and events space
A family-run business is about to breathe new life into one of the city's most culturally significant buildings.
Introducing Moods - a new all-day cafe, bar and events venue that will open to the public at First White Cloth Hall on Kirkgate on Friday 31 July.
Created by husband-and-wife founders Will and Hayley Moody, the team behind Buzz Club Tattoo, Moods will occupy the ground floor of the Grade II* listed building.
Originally built in 1711 for the sale of white, undyed cloth, some of its roof timbers have been dated to the mid-1470s, and the building spent more than 20 years on Historic England's Heritage at Risk Register before a major restoration by Rushbond returned it to use.
Images: Supplied
Moods will bring speciality coffee, in-house patisserie, elevated day dining, cocktails, wine, beer and events together under one historic roof.
Doors open at 6pm on Friday 31 July for drinks and bar snacks, with all-day food service beginning at 8am on Saturday 1 August.
The kitchen will be led by Head Chef Craig Rogan, who trained within Simon Rogan's Michelin-starred restaurant group, including time at L'Enclume and Fera at Claridge's.
Will Moody said: "Leeds has been our home since university, and First White Cloth Hall felt like the kind of building you do not get a second chance with. From the moment we saw it, we knew it could become much more than a studio home.
"Moods is about opening the ground floor up and giving people a reason to use the building from morning through to night, whether that is coffee, food, drinks, private events or simply a good catch-up with friends."
We can't wait to check out the space, and you can find out more about Moods here.
Leeds is set to be transformed into a huge interactive game of Trivial Pursuit this week
Clementine Hall
Leeds is set to become a giant board game this summer as Trivial Pursuit arrives in the city centre to celebrate a landmark moment in its history.
The famous board game is being brought to life as LeedsBID transforms the city centre into a live version of Hasbro’s iconic Trivial Pursuit board game, marking 400 years since Leeds was granted its royal charter.
And a few famous Leeds faces are helping to make it happen.
Running from this Saturday 25 July to Sunday 30 August 2026 and is completely free, players embark on journey across the city centre, travelling from category to category and testing their knowledge of Leeds. Correct answers earn wedges, and once all six are collected, players face a final question to complete the game.
Key locations represent the six traditional Trivial Pursuit categories: Entertainment, Geography, Sports and Leisure, Science and Nature, History, and Art and Literature.
Central to the game will be the stories and achievements that have shaped Leeds over four centuries, from the origins of Marks & Spencer to a connection with the first British internet provider.
An array of well-known personalities are involved, appearing digitally to look back and look ahead at the city’s notable events.
Leeds-born presenter and podcaster Alex Zane, historian Ruth Goodman, and commentator Daniel Norcross each take on Entertainment, History, and Sports & Leisure, telling the stories behind the people, places, and moments that define Leeds.
Angela Griffin says: “LeedsBID have come up with a fun and engaging way to introduce visitors to the Leeds story through Trivial Pursuit, and I was happy to play a part in some of this trivia this summer, which is a real honour as a Loiner.”
Sara Merritt, Principal Keeper, Leeds City Museum and Leeds Discovery Centre. “Leeds City Museum is excited to host TRIVIAL PURSUIT as part of Leeds400 this summer, offering visitors a fun and interactive way to celebrate knowledge, curiosity, and everything that makes Leeds unique.”
Sophie Smith -
28th February 2022 
