Leeds United: Victor Orta makes approach for Marcelo Bielsa replacement | OneFootball

Victor Orta is reportedly lining up a move to replace Marcelo Bielsa at Leeds United…

What’s the word?

According to Valencian outlet Super Deporte (via Sport Witness), the Whites director of football has already made a first approach to former Granada boss Diego Martinez about the possibility of taking over from the Argentine.

It’s thought that everything points towards the 40-year-old being Bielsa’s replacement at Elland Road by the start of next season.

The Yorkshire giants have made a poor start to the 2021/22 season, having finished inside the top-ten last campaign, so the chances of the 66-year-old not renewing his contract is a distinct possibility.

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Bye-bye Bielsa?

This may be a sign that Orta and co are prepared to make one of their biggest calls yet as life without Bielsa wouldn’t have crossed the minds of many around Thorp Arch.

The fan-favourite manager has been in dugout since June 2018, where he has since guided the club to the Premier League for the very first time in 16 years.

Across 155 matches, United have won 78 matches (50.3%), also averaging 1.66 goals and 1.68 points per game, via Transfermarkt, but it’s no secret that injuries and perhaps poor – or a lack of – recruitment has curtailed their progress this term.

Leeds sit one place and two points above the relegation zone after 12 games, and whilst there is plenty of time still left in the season, just two wins is worrying reading.

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Which Argentinian side has Marcelo Bielsa played for and managed?

San Lorenzo Newell's Old Boys Velez Racing Club

Martinez would be a really intriguing option from Orta, seeing as he’s never managed outside of Spain across a near 18-year coaching career, having held roles as an assistant at Sevilla and manager at Osasuna.

He has even achieved promotion to LaLiga with Granada and then steered them into the Europa League, making the quarter-finals last term.

However, given the loyalty and admiration to Bielsa around Elland Road, this move would certainly be a surprising one from Orta and it is perhaps even more strange given the timing.

Of course, Leeds need to think about post-Bielsa but you can’t help but feel he is far from finished in his journey here.