Darren Gough has suggested that Leeds United manager will want some reassurance over the club’s ability to hang onto their star players if he is to stay next season.
The Argentine has yet to make an announcement on his future at Elland Road after failing to secure promotion, but Gough believes that the solution keeping him in Yorkshire is a simple one.
Writing in a column for the Yorkshire Post, he said: “The big debate among Leeds United fans has been as to whether Marcelo Bielsa will stay after the club’s play-off elimination – with the Argentine being on such a big wage and whether Leeds can afford for him to stay.
“Also, there is a fear of a couple of the better players leaving. I certainly cannot see him staying if a few of the big stars leave. Let’s hope they do and that he remains.
“I just think he will want a few reassurances.”
OPINION
Gough makes it sound so simple, but rarely does professional football miss an opportunity to complicate an issue. You get the distinct impression that Bielsa would rather stay than not. He seems to like the club, and his relationship with the fans could hardly be better, but at the same time, he is a pragmatist, and if he doesn’t believe that he can realistically drive the team forward, whether that be because of tactical or financial issues, then he will walk. Letting him know that he has the capability to retain his squad next year would be a huge factor, you assume, in persuading him that his future lies in Yorkshire, but honestly, how can Andrea Radrizzani make that promise at this present moment in time. Several players are being linked with moves away, several more could justify top flight swoops. Who’s to say who Leeds will have at their disposal next term? All the club can do is hope Bielsa is there to guide them, no matter who it is.