Sky Sports pundit David Prutton has called on the Leeds hierarchy to back Marcelo Bielsa properly for next season.

There are doubts about the Argentinian's future at Elland Road following the Whites play-off semi-final defeat to Derby County in the week.

It's clear that everyone connected with the club wants Bielsa to stay but ultimately the unpredictable manager will make the call himself.

However, former midfielder Prutton has urged key figures at Leeds to do all they can to convince him to stay and insists with backing he could get them promoted next season.

"If he is staying, the club need to throw as much behind him as possible before next season and make the most of the fact that with improvements and a higher calibre of player in some positions, automatic promotion could be in their grasp.

[ad_pod ]

"Bielsa rode an unbelievable number of injuries and a learning curve in the Championship to take the club to within 46 minutes of the play-off final. All of which creates a very obvious conclusion: keep him, back him and trust him to do the business at the second time of asking."

The Verdict

It's hard to disagree with what Prutton has said here as Bielsa did a magnificent job this season but it wasn't enough.

The lack of depth was a major issue and you can't help thinking that if the Daniel James deal was completed in January then Leeds might already be a Premier League side.

So, it's clear he needs support and if he gets it then Bielsa would hopefully stay and that would make Leeds promotion favourites for next season.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.