[long_read]

Marcelo Bielsa’s impact at Leeds United has been superb, with the experienced Argentine turning a mid-table squad into automatic promotion contenders.  

Leeds wouldn’t be where they are this season without Bielsa, with the head-coach’s ability to squeeze every last drop of quality from his squad to be admired.

Between now and May, full focus will be on delivering an overdue promotion at Elland Road, but if it isn’t achieved, it remains unclear what the future holds for Bielsa.

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In a recent ‘Inside Elland Road’ podcast, Phil Hay at the Yorkshire Evening Post indicated that Bielsa might not stick around if Leeds are facing another year in the Championship in 2019/20:

“I think he [Bielsa] 100% will stay if Leeds go up, unless he’s not happy about transfer plans in the summer. 

“As I’ve said before, it was announced that it was a two-year-deal with a one-year option, but many people who know him in Argentina have said it’s a 12-month contract that could be extended to two if they get promoted.

“And I have to admit, I don’t think Bielsa would stay for another year in the Championship. If it [promotion] doesn’t happen I can’t see him being here next season.” 

So, if the worst was to happen and Bielsa walks away in the summer, where would Leeds turn?

Here at FLW, we take a look at three names to consider…

[snack_break title="Slavisa Jokanovic"]

The former Fulham boss delivered promotion at Craven Cottage, with his side playing a slick brand of attacking football.

Jokanovic could be a man to take over from Bielsa without changing too much, although even he might struggle to get the best out of this group of players.

And, it’s likely it’d cost the Whites.

[snack_break title="Carlos Corberan"]

Alternatively, Leeds could appoint from within.

Corberan is working wonders with Leeds’ under-23s at the moment, as well as assisting Bielsa.

It’d be a risk appointing him next season, but some feel he’s on the path to becoming a future head-coach.

[snack_break title="Juan Carlos Osorio"]

Like Bielsa, Juan Carlos Osorio is a South American head-coach, who has managed internationally.

This could be another route Leeds take, with Osorio another experienced head.

He’s managed at World Cups and had similar success to Bielsa.

However, again, there’s an element of risk to this, but whoever steps in to replace Bielsa at Leeds will have big shoes to fill.

[/long_read]