Newcastle United relegation rivals Leeds United sack Marcelo Bielsa as huge call made

Leeds United have confirmed this morning that they have parted company with manager Marcelo Bielsa.

The decision has been taken after the Whites' 4-0 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur, which was their fourth loss in five Premier League games.

They have conceded a record 20 goals in February and Bielsa leaves with Leeds currently in 16th - just two points above the bottom three heading into the final 12 matches of the season.

However, the 66-year-old has done a remarkable job at the Whites since taking change in June 2018, transforming the club's fortunes on and off the pitch.

In his first season, Leeds narrowly missed out on promotion after losing the play-off semi-final to Derby County.

But Bielsa guided the Whites to the Championship title the following campaign, securing a return to the Premier League for the first time in 16 years.

During the club's return to the top-flight, Leeds finished ninth, earning the highest points tally by a newly promoted side since the 2000/01 season.

This campaign has proved to be difficult and the Whites has recorded just five Premier League wins which has led to Bielsa's depature.

Newcastle United are two points above Leeds in the table.

In a statement on the club website, 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