Leeds United have announced that Marcelo Bielsa has officially signed a new contract ahead of their first season back in the Premier League.
The news was a formality after the Argentine head coach, who guided Leeds back to the top flight after a 16-year absence in July, confirmed he would be staying on when speaking to the media on Thursday ahead of Saturday’s season opener with Liverpool.
In their official announcement, the club added: "Leeds are pleased to confirm Marcelo Bielsa has signed a new one-year deal with the club to remain as head coach for the 2020-21 season.
“Under his tenure, starting with a fine 3-1 victory over Stoke City at Elland Road in August 2018, the former Argentina and Chile head coach has taken charge of a total of 100 games for the Whites, winning 56, drawing 17 and losing 27 over two seasons.
“Bielsa last season guided Leeds to the Sky Bet Championship title, winning the league by 10 points and creating history in the club’s centenary campaign.
“The feat earned Leeds United a return to the Premier League for the first time in 16 years, which will get under way on Saturday, with an away trip to Anfield to take on champions Liverpool.”
Speaking before the new deal had been officially confirmed, Bielsa said Saturday’s trip to Anfield to face Jurgen Klopp’s champions would be “a very special game”.
✍️ Leeds United have announced that Marcelo Bielsa's new one-year contract has now been signed and sealed.
— Sporting Life Football (@SportingLifeFC) September 11, 2020
🙌 Any excuse to give this another run-out.#LUFC #MOT pic.twitter.com/HLwdA4kPbT
“They are one of the best teams in the world, with a fine system and very good players,” said the Argentinian.
“It’s difficult to say how our players are going to adjust to the Premier League. We have prepared for this, but we need to show it on the pitch.”
Bielsa said that he will not be changing his team’s style of play following promotion.
“To begin with we will try to play the same way,” he added.
