OPINION
Leeds fans have been desperate for an update on manager Marcelo Bielsa, who is considering whether to stay at Elland Road for another year in the Championship.
They got one on Thursday but it wasn’t exactly what they were looking for.
Andrea Radrizzani was interviewed by Jim White for talkSPORT and when asked about Bielsa’s future he said that the next few days would be “decisive” and that an announcement would be made soon.
That came after the Times reported that Leeds were increasingly confident that Bielsa would stay.
Phil Hay, senior reporter for the Yorkshire Evening Post, quoted Radrizzani, who also said that their option to keep Bielsa would run until the end of the month.
Radrizzani on TalkSport – said the next few days will be decisive with regards to Bielsa's future, and the option to keep him runs to the end of the month. #lufc
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) May 23, 2019
Leeds fans read this as a backward step and that Bielsa wouldn’t be staying.
That’s not necessarily the way we saw it but we’re not as emotionally invested in the club. From our reading, the club and Bielsa were always in talks and knowing Bielsa’s love of a fine tooth-comb, we expected the talks to be rigorous.
However, Leeds fans were obviously hoping for more positive news and they flocked onto Twitter to react to Hay’s tweet. The vast majority of them were fairly distraught.
Here are the best reactions from Leeds supporters:
https://twitter.com/lufcwtf/status/1131508312254689281
https://twitter.com/JoshAHobbs/status/1131508070394335233
https://twitter.com/adamlpi/status/1131513212015456256
Oh for crying out loud pull your bloody fingers out. Where’s the backing from America for Bielsa possible Delph if we are serious for the push let’s face it 3 clubs coming down been given boost of millions from TV. How many years do we want to languish in this EFL pit.
— Nigel Rosendale ?? (@nr100ap) May 23, 2019
Bielsa cannot be allowed to go. It’s that simple. Give him what he asks for and let’s get out of this league ASAP. @andrearadri find the money ?
— Micky P Kerr (@MickyPKerr) May 23, 2019
https://twitter.com/AdamHeigold/status/1131511575599362048
Sounds like Bielsa been told there’s no money for tranfers!
Guess he’s leaving!— Sean Daley (@InfoDaley) May 23, 2019
He’s off ?
— Matt Hill (@MattyHill83) May 23, 2019
Not an option Radrizzani has to do everything to keep him – the cynic in me sees a justification coming around selling our crown jewels. Remember without Bielsa these players who do love Leeds helped us to 13th or 14th position most seasons. Get investment in & we have a chance !
— ian (@igrattan) May 23, 2019
If he doesn’t manage to keep Bielsa he may as well sell up because that is going to be hugely unpopular
— Dan (@ItsDanbob) May 23, 2019
https://twitter.com/markrikko/status/1131521357303484417
Gut feeling after hearing that. He’s leaving
— alaw (@weareleeds191) May 23, 2019
https://twitter.com/bezzer98/status/1131518982949879808
I appreciate his transparency for the most part but this kind of insight creates unnecessary unease and panic amongst an already uneasy and panicked fanbase.
— Dan (@DRobinson87) May 23, 2019
https://twitter.com/brianpotterhere/status/1131519374437822464
He goes and @andrearadri doesn't invest well I won't be renewing next season. I'm not happy about what he's done this time. Taking the season ticket money and announcing he won't be investing ?
— carlos lufc (@CarlUdakis) May 23, 2019
If he goes be a disaster for the club, most Leeds fans know that
— ???Wheels23 (@AlanWheels23) May 23, 2019
Leeds are falling apart again
— Josh Holden (@JoshuaHolden93) May 23, 2019
— Lee Scott (@LeeScott321) May 23, 2019
And let the panic begin , hope we don't mess this up
— Lorraine dunne? ?? (@toastiecheese) May 23, 2019