Leeds United have confirmed that they have officially exercised the option to extend Marcelo Bielsa's contract for a second season.
The Whites head coach will now return for the upcoming campaign at Elland Road after meeting numerous times with club officials following the play-off defeat to Derby.
After a post-mortem was thrashed out and plans put in place for next season, the Argentine has confirmed that he will continue in his role as Leeds look to go one better next time out, following their third-place Championship finish and play-off semi-final defeat this season.
The club have confirmed Bielsa signed a two-year deal last June, in which they held the right to extend or terminate at the end of year one.
Chairman Andrea Radrizzani spoke of his 'delight' at securing the Argentine for another season.
"Let’s have another go," he said in a statement. "I am delighted that Marcelo has agreed to stay for another year – we have unfinished business.
"Enjoy your summer and next year once again we all need to give more – the players, the staff and all of the fans because our goal is close."
Bielsa had been locked in talks with Victor Orta and Angus Kinnear since the season's end, with these discussions containing a typically forensic examination of where Leeds fell short this year and where improvements can be made to the club's training ground and playing squad.
These training ground improvements include the installation of a one kilometer running track around the woodland perimeter at Thorp Arch, the recommissioning of the swimming pool which has been unused since the Massimo Cellino days and the use of remote controlled cameras to film training sessions.
The dressing rooms at Thorp Arch will also be upgrade to mirror those at Elland Road.
Leeds United's statement in full
Leeds United are delighted to confirm that Chairman Andrea Radrizzani has officially exercised the option to extend Marcelo Bielsa’s contract for a second season.
Marcelo has met with the Board of Directors on a number of occasions over the past few days and has confirmed his intention to continue on in his role of Head Coach.
Bielsa penned a two-year deal with the Whites in June 2018 with the club maintaining the right to extend or terminate the deal at the end of year one.
During Marcelo's debut season in English football, the team amassed a total of 83 points - the highest points total since promotion from League One during the 2009/10 season, playing an attractive brand of football which has helped Bielsa to become a popular figure amongst supporters.
Vamos Leeds Carajo.
