Marcelo Bielsa tight-lipped on speculation over Leeds future

Marcelo Bielsa has refused to discuss his future amid speculation on whether he will remain as Leeds head coach for another season.

Bielsa prefers to sign one-year contracts at the end of each campaign and was in no mood to offer any insight into his long-term plans.

There is a growing belief among Leeds fans that the 65-year-old could call time on his four-year spell at Elland Road when his latest deal expires in June, while former Leipzig boss Jesse Marsch has been linked with the club.

When asked to clarify his own position before Sunday’s home Premier League game against arch-rivals Manchester United, Bielsa said: “It’s not a subject that we should talk about at this moment.”

Leeds director of football Victor Orta has been reported to be a long-time admirer of American Marsch, 48, who left Leipzig by mutual consent in December after just seven months in charge.

Marsch has had spells at two other clubs under the Red Bull flag, New York and Salzburg, and was assistant to former USA head coach Bob Bradley until 2011.

Victory over Roses rivals United on Sunday would give Leeds supporters a huge lift in a season which has fallen flat following their club’s return to the top flight in 2020.

Injuries to key players continue to hamper Bielsa, but the Argentinian still refuses to blame the long-term absences of the likes of Patrick Bamford, Kalvin Phillips and skipper Liam Cooper for his side’s struggles.

Premier League survival would be celebrated by fans and Bielsa said: “It’s an obligation and the injuries don’t justify the season that we’re having.”

Bielsa confirmed Stuart Dallas may yet face United after fears he could be another long-term absentee.

The Northern Ireland international was forced out of last week’s defeat