EX-LEEDS manager Marcelo Bielsa is reportedly being lined up by Athletic Bilbao as their potential new manager.
Bielsa, 66, was sacked as Leeds boss despite being a popular figure at the club back in February as the team were dragged into a relegation battle.
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He previously managed Athletic Bilbao for two seasons from 2011 to 2013 and Bielsa could be on his way back to the club.
Reports in the Bilbao press suggest that he has an agreement with Inaki Arechabaleta to take over as manager if he becomes club president.
Arechabaleta is running for president alongside two other candidates and Bielsa’s move to Athletic Club hinges on the presidential battle.
During his time in the Basque region, the Argentine boss did well. In first season the club came runners-up in the Europa League and the Copa del Rey.
However, things did not go so great in his second campaign in charge as they finished 12th in LaLiga and he left when his contract expired at the end of the season.
Athletic Bilbao finished 2021/22 season in 8th and reached the final of the Supercopa de Espana but it was not enough for Marcelino to keep his job.
Therefore the club is on the look out for a new manager.
The set to be sacked PSG and former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino has emerged as a surprise candidate for the role.
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If Arechabaleta’s competitor Ricardo Barkala wins the presidential vote, Pochettino could take over at Bilbao.
The 50-year-old is one of many managers influenced by Bielsa.
Bielsa managed Poch at Argentine club Newell’s Old Boys.