Leeds: Key figure ‘always going to be under pressure’ at Elland Road

Leeds United’s director of football Victor Orta was ‘always going to be under pressure’ following his decision to sack Marcelo Bielsa, according to pundit Carlton Palmer.

Orta was part of the Leeds hierarchy who decided to relieve the hugely popular former manager of his duties in February and was extremely influential in appointing Jesse Marsch as his successor.

Bielsa engrained himself into the history of Leeds after guiding them back to the Premier League following a 16-year absence before securing a ninth-placed finish last term.

However, a run of five defeats in six top-flight fixtures left the Whites hovering just two points above the relegation zone and with the worst defensive record in the division.

Owner Andrea Radrizzani described the decision to sack Bielsa as the ‘toughest decision’ of his Leeds tenure, and a club statement promised a ‘permanent tribute’ to the Argentine tactician.

But the Elland Road outfit moved swiftly to appoint his successor, bringing in Marsch with Orta admitting he was someone the club had identified several years prior to his arrival.

“Jesse is someone we identified a number of years ago during his time at Red Bull Salzburg, and we believe his philosophy and style of football aligns with that of the club and will suit the players very well,” said Orta.

After a slow start to life in west Yorkshire, Marsch oversaw back-to-back wins prior to the international break, but Palmer believes the scrutiny will remain around Orta.

In an exclusive interview, he told GiveMeSport: “He’s always going to be under pressure, I think, for getting rid of Bielsa.

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“He’s always going to be under pressure if results are