Bielsa signs new one-year deal to extend Leeds stay
Marcelo Bielsa has penned a new one-year contract to remain in charge of Leeds United until the end of the 2021/22 campaign.
The tactician had already told a press conference on Thursday that his future was ‘resolved’, although he was yet to officially sign the deal at that point.
There wasn’t much concern about his future, however, as Bielsa tends to agree on new short-term contracts just before the start of each season.
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Leeds chief executive Angus Kinnear has previously stated that this is down to Bielsa’s ‘lack of interest’ in his own contract.
Speaking about the deal, 25-year-old Whites defender Robin Koch said: “Of course we are happy he’s here for another season.
“I didn’t think he would leave, it’s nothing surprising for me, but of course we are happy.”
Bielsa helped Leeds to a top ten finish last season on their long-awaited return to the Premier League.
The Argentine was asked why he wanted to extend his spell at Elland Road for a fourth season.
“It’s not often you have a club that designates so much volume of investment to the improvement of the training facilities,” he said.
“Leeds have made a significant contribution economically to provide the tools for a manager to prepare the players to be the ideal ones.
“Everything we need in this area, the club has resolved it with very high investment…I’m astounded by the conduct of the club.”
Club chief Victor Orta has improved Bielsa’s squad this summer with a number of clever signings.
Jack Harrison, who previously spent three seasons on loan from Manchester City, joined permanently for £11.5million.
The Yorkshire side have also brought in keeper Kristoffer Klaesson from Valerenga, midfield starlet Lewis Bate from Chelsea and full-back Junior Firpo from Barcelona.
Firpo has since explained how Leeds are helping him to improve as a player.
He said: “I’ve been here two weeks and I’ve seen more videos of myself than I have in my two years at Barça! Individual videos!
“But it’s good, they explain to you the way you have to play, what they want you to do in every possible situation and in the end they really look in detail.”
Leeds get their season underway against Manchester United on Saturday at 12:30.