Breaking Leeds United sack manager Marcelo Bielsa after slump in form

Leeds have parted company with manager Marcelo Bielsa in the wake of Saturday's 4-0 defeat to Tottenham.

The heavy loss at Elland Road was their fourth in five games – a run which saw them concede 20 goals and plummet towards the relegation zone.

The 66-year-old remained convinced he could turn things around after the Spurs loss, but the Leeds board decided otherwise, with former RB Leipzig and Red Bull Salzburg boss Jesse Marsch the heavy favourite to take over.

Bielsa took charge of the club in June 2018 and in his second season ended their 16-year wait for a return to the Premier League.

But their second season in the top flight has been blighted by injuries and increasing questions over Bielsa's tactics.

Leeds 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.

"With Marcelo as our head coach, we had three incredible campaigns and the good times returned to Elland Road. 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.

"We find ourselves in a precarious league position and I feel now is the right time to bring in a new head coach, in order to have an impact in the decisive stage of the season."