Former Leeds United coach and Marcelo Bielsa admirer Pep Clotet to leave Birmingham City

Clotet joined the Blues in March 2018 when Garry Monk was in charge, having worked for him previously at both Swansea and Leeds.

When Monk was sacked in June last year, Clotet was appointed caretaker head coach and his role was made permanent last December.

Clotet has now decided to step down and Birmingham have agreed to 'allow the 43-year-old to explore other coaching opportunities.'

Clotet said: "It's been a really difficult decision to take because it's a privilege to be part of the Blues family, but it's the best step for everyone and it allows the club to continue to move forward with their vision and strategy.

"I'm very grateful to the club, its board and the supporters for placing their faith in me to lead the team this season and to face up to the challenges involved in what's been a key transition under really demanding circumstances.

"We were set the objective of bringing stability to the club, promoting our academy and instilling a different playing style and, thanks to the togetherness that everyone has shown, we have been able to successfully move in that direction.

"It's now time for us to focus on the remainder of the season and for the club to continue building on these foundations."

Clotet, who has described his time at Leeds United as a 'honeymoon' is a huge admirer of Whites head coach Marcelo Bielsa and has waxed lyrical about the Argentine on a number of occasions.

Speaking after a pulsating 5-4 defeat for his Birmingham side at the hands of Bielsa's men earlier this season, Clotet said: "I love Marcelo.

"I can say it, for me he is the best manager in the country, in the world maybe, possibly.

"For me, testing ourselves, challenging ourselves against a team I know will be very well organised, being able to go toe to toe with them is a fantastic experience."

Birmingham City sit 16th in the Championship ahead of the June 20 restart, with nine games remaining.