The anxious wait is over, as today Leeds were finally able to confirm the news we’ve all been waiting for. Marcello Bielsa will be staying on as our head coach for 2019/20.

The talks dragged on for almost a week, and amounted to 30 hours of intense discussion, so there must have been a bit of doubt in Bielsa’s mind that he was going to put pen to paper. But he eventually got the assurances he needed about the backing he will get in the transfer market and improvements to the training facilities.

Once it was all agreed, Andrea Radrizzani issued a statement. “As the dust settles on the campaign, I can reflect and say it was a good season. I’d like to thank all fans, staff and friends related to Leeds United for their continued support. We were close and next season we will work harder to achieve our goal. So let’s have another go.”

“I’m delighted that Marcelo has agreed 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 the fans because our goal is close.”

The club have promised improvements to the training ground at Thorp Arch, including the installation of a 1km running track requested by Bielsa, and to provide the funds we need for a fresh tilt at promotion.

This seemed in a bit of doubt last week when Radz said we face a difficult summer in the transfer market, but he must now be confident he will find the funds from somewhere. There has been much talk of investment from Qatar, so perhaps they will be helping to bankroll the club if they will be happy to allow Radrizzani to retain control.

In January Bielsa insisted he could manage with a relatively small squad, but the last weeks of the season might have changed his mind, once injuries had deprived him of key players for critical games. He has promised to give some of our promising youngsters a chance, but he must know that the squad needs to be strengthened in several positions.

Reuters Media Express

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