{"id":593907,"date":"2025-11-26T00:45:21","date_gmt":"2025-11-26T00:45:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/593907\/"},"modified":"2025-11-26T00:45:21","modified_gmt":"2025-11-26T00:45:21","slug":"the-49ers-should-consider-spanish-manager-that-leeds-united-eyed-to-replace-marcelo-bielsa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/593907\/","title":{"rendered":"The 49ers should consider Spanish manager that Leeds United eyed to replace Marcelo Bielsa"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

It is February 2022 and Andrea Radrizzani has just made the incredibly unpopular decision to sack Leeds United legend Marcelo Bielsa, with Jesse Marsch expected to replace him.<\/strong><\/p>\n

But Leeds<\/a> were considering the removal of Bielsa<\/a> much before his final game, which resulted in a 4-0 hammering by Tottenham. Coincidentally, Sam Allardyce\u2019s last game was a 4-1 defeat to Spurs in 2023.<\/p>\n

Who do you want as Leeds United\u2019s next manager? <\/p>\n

That month, rumours had been swirling that Radrizzani was due to make a decision. After four straight losses and 17 goals conceded in those games, the Italian felt he had no choice but to remove Bielsa.<\/p>\n

Prior to his sacking, a report from The Telegraph<\/a> claimed that Leeds were considering a trio of managers to replace the Argentine. One of whom was Marsch, another was Carlos Corberan, and a second Spaniard.<\/p>\n

\"ErnestoPhoto by Michal Cizek \/ AFP via Getty ImagesLeeds should revisit Ernesto Valverde move as Bilbao spell stutters<\/p>\n

When Leeds went to appoint a replacement for Bielsa, they wanted a manager who shared characteristics with the former Marseille, Bilbao and Argentina gaffer. Eventually, they went for Marsch \u2013 a colossal error.<\/p>\n

But Ernesto Valverde was also on the radar. Now 61, Valverde was without a club after leaving Barcelona in 2022 where he had won two La Liga titles, a Copa Del Rey and picked up a huge 97 wins in 145 games.<\/p>\n

Now, Valverde is back in management, his second spell at Bielsa\u2019s old side, Bilbao, but he\u2019s struggling for form. There is a belief in Spain that things have gone stale for Valverde at Bilbao and a change is needed.<\/p>\n

MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES<\/p>\n

After his Barcelona sacking in 2020, The Mail<\/a> said Valverde was keen to move to the Premier League, and with the sack close at Bilbao, there is every chance his view remains. Leeds would do well to take a look.<\/p>\n

Daniel Farke is statistically Leeds\u2019 worst Premier League manager <\/p>\n

\n

O\u2019Leary: 1.79
Wilkinson: 1.44
Graham: 1.40
Bielsa: 1.28
Venables: 1.13
Reid: 1.05
Marsch: 1.03
Gracia: 1.0
Gray: 1.0
Farke: 0.92 \ud83d\udc48<\/p>\n

Daniel Farke has the lowest Premier League points per game ratio of any Leeds manager\/coach to have taken charge of 5+ Premier League matches. pic.twitter.com\/vjP7P7Qusq<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 LUFCDATA (@LUFCDATA) November 23, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

View Tweet<\/p>\n

Why Ernesto Valverde would be a smart choice for Leeds<\/p>\n

Valverde is a winner. This is a man that has won all there is to win in Spanish football, even getting the best out of Lionel Messi\u2019s final years at Barcelona. But he needs a change and will want to try England.<\/p>\n

From Leeds\u2019 perspective, there aren\u2019t many out-of-work managers that fit the bill. Brendan Rodgers is an obvious candidate<\/a>, but this is a man that turned Leeds down before the Yorkshire club hired Farke<\/a> in \u201923.<\/p>\n

Ange Postecoglou is not suited to a relegation scrap in the Premier League. Carlos Corberan could be a consideration<\/a>, but the Spaniard is well-liked at Valencia and he will cost a decent compensation fee.<\/p>\n

\"ErnestoPhoto by Stu Forster\/Getty Images<\/p>\n

However, in terms of Valverde, any cost would be cheap. Indeed, his contract expires at the end of the season and with PSR an issue, hiring a manager cannot prove expensive. Valverde may be ideal for Leeds.<\/p>\n

He is cheap, he is a winner, he is a disciple of Bielsa and his style of football would excite an Elland Road fanbase in dire need of a bit of excitement. Valverde would be a stunning appointment, if ambitious.<\/p>\n

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