Phil Hay has been discussing the future of Marcelo Bielsa at Leeds United, stating that whilst nobody is expecting him to stick around for another year in the Championship, missing out on promotion due to a null and void season might spark a different outcome.

Leeds have been a transformed unit under the Argentine since his arrival in the summer of 2018; they finished third last season and were amongst the best sides in the Championship and were back for more this season, sitting top of the division with nine games remaining.

Bielsa has Leeds on the cusp of promotion, but a ball hasn’t been kicked in the Championship since the opening weekend of March. There’s a desire to conclude the season and plans are being put in place to conclude it, but there’s lingering doubt whether that will happen.

Should Leeds not be able to finish their season, the likelihood is that a sporting merit will see them promoted, but, again, nobody will be counting their chickens whilst the threat of null and void remains.

In terms of Bielsa, Leeds are expected to retain him if they win promotion to the Premier League, but missing out this season would likely spell the end of the 64-year-old in the Championship.

Yet, in his latest Q&A with The Athletic Phil Hay has once again touched on Bielsa’s future, where he dangled the carrot that he might remain if Leeds’ promotion is denied in these unique circumstances.

Hay wrote: “He will stick around until this season is settled (and I'd expect him to stay if Leeds go up). If they don't, all bets are off.  

“Nobody expected him to go at a third Championship term if Leeds had missed out on promotion this season - but if they miss out because of COVID-19, that's not the same thing.  

“Would injustice and unfinished business make him stick around?”

Quiz: Have these 15 current Leeds United players been capped at international level? – Yes or no?

 

There’s a promise that the season will not be deemed null and void, however, with Leeds either likely to play their fixtures or win promotion on sporting merit.

The Verdict  

Bielsa is a really unique man and he won’t want to outstay his welcome at Elland Road.

That’s how he will deem it, but there aren’t many within the walls of Leeds United that don’t want to see Bielsa stick around next season no matter what.

Premier League football all-but confirms his extension, but that’s at slight risk due to the worldwide situation. If Leeds miss out due to no football being played now, Bielsa’s own decision on his future will be interesting to see.

Thoughts? Let us know!

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