Marcelo Bielsa refused to be drawn on his future as speculation continues to mount on the Leeds United boss’ long-term future.
The Argentine chief has enjoyed a fantastic debut campaign in England at Elland Road, lifting the Whites to third in the Championship table.
Although United have seemingly missed out on automatic promotion, there is still every chance they will end their 15-year wait for Premier League football in the play-offs.
The club said Bielsa signed a two-year deal, on a reported salary of £4million per year for him and his staff, in the summer, which sent shockwaves around the second tier.
However, given the stature of the head coach, rumours continue to swirl surrounding his long-term future at the club.
Bielsa has been a fans’ favourite since his arrival and reports in the national press that he could depart this summer will not have gone down well amongst the support base.
Rafael Bielsa, Marcelo’s brother, confirmed in an interview with the Argentinian daily newspaper La Capital if Leeds United are promoted to the Premier League, Bielsa is contractually obliged to stay for his second season as head coach.
He said: “I speak to him every day, but he cannot return to Newell's under the terms of his contract with Leeds. He is not the type to not fulfil his obligations.”
Former Leeds United favourite names likely successor to Marcelo Bielsa
However, Bielsa refused to comment on his future when quizzed at Thorp Arch ahead of United’s clash with Aston Villa this weekend.
The Villans head to Elland Road on Sunday on a ten-match winning run, whilst Leeds have lost back-to-back games for only the second time this season.
He said: “It’s not up to me and I don’t have any more response to that.
"It’s not a decision that we have to take now and it’s not the right time to give my opinion.”
Expect the issue to be back on the table once Leeds United's season's is over - however it may finish.
