Andrea Radrizzani outlines his Marcelo Bielsa hope and plan regards Leeds United's managerial future

Bielsa is in his third season in charge of the Whites and signed a new one-year contract to continue as head coach back in September having steered the club to a return to the Premier League after a 16-year wait as Championship champions.

Speaking to CBS Sports Podcast ¡Qué Golazo!, Radrizzani said he would be delighted if Bielsa stayed on at the club but that he and director of football Victor Orta were also prepared in the event of a parting of ways.

The majority Whites owner also said that Bielsa's team were still the unfinished article and one that deserved to experience playing in the Premier League at a packed out Elland Road when fans are finally allowed to return after the nation's fight against Covid-19.

“Marcelo knows that we are happy with him,” said Radrizzani, asked if he was in talks with Bielsa to extend his contract and what the current conversation was about.

“If he stays we are really delighted to continue and I believe the players are still following him unconditionally, and that’s the first important element for me to decide to continue with him.

“If the group is happy with him, I am also happy and we should continue.

“Then it’s up to him and we are waiting for his decision but in any case, myself and Victor we have already analysed the options and we know what to do in case Marcelo will not be with us.

“We hope he will continue but in any case we are preparing the club.”

Asked if there was a list in case things did not go his way or if Bielsa rejected the offer of another year - Radrizzani said: “Yes. I believe that this team is not finished yet, with Marcelo as well.

“They need to come and enjoy Elland Road with the fans in the Premier League. That’s what he deserves as a manager, and it’s a unique experience so he should stay just for that, I think!”

Leeds sit 12th in the Premier League table and ten points clear of the drop zone with 14 games left.

United are back in action tomorrow evening at home to 13th-placed Southampton.

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Thank you Laura Collins