Beren Cross drops Leeds United managerial update | OneFootball

Leeds United are not interested in Diego Martinez despite emerging reports, according to reliable journalist Beren Cross.

What’s the word?

The Yorkshire giants were linked to the former Granada boss in recent days with Super Deporte (via Sport Witness) claiming that director of football Victor Orta has already made a first approach to seal the 40-year-old as a potential replacement for Marcelo Bielsa at the end of the season.

However, the LeedsLive reporter delivered a fresh update to supporters in a recent Q&A, when asked about the links, he said:

“No, I don’t believe there is.

“From what I am told there is zero chance he will be Bielsa’s successor when the Argentine does eventually move on from Elland Road.”

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Encouraging news?

Whilst this doesn’t completely rule out the Argentine’s departure, it is rather promising news, despite their disappointing form in 2021/22.

Bielsa is out of contract in the summer and is yet to agree to an extension, though he’s never signed anything this early on, ever since arriving at Elland Road in 2018.

The 66-year-old guided the Whites into the Premier League for the first time in 16 years and managed to secure a tenth place finish in their maiden campaign back in the big time.

Injuries have seriously curtailed their progress this term, with several key and influential stars missing a ton of games, including vice-captain Luke Ayling and leading talisman Patrick Bamford.

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Any team would struggle without players of this quality and there is plenty of time left to salvage their season. United sit one place above the relegation zone but only 12 games have been completed.

Bielsa will, of course, leave one day but you can’t help but think he deserves a crack at keeping the Yorkshiremen in the top-flight.

Martinez, who has no experience outside of Spain, having held roles at Sevilla, Osasuna and Granada, would have been a massive risk, even more so as he would be trying to follow in the footsteps of the cult hero and fan favourite.