Leeds United have confirmed that Marcelo Bielsa will remain as their manager for the 2019-20 Championship season.
The Argentinian was a surprise appointment prior to 2018-19 and came close to masterminding a long-awaited return to the Premier League.
After pushing for automatic promotion for much of the campaign, Leeds ended up in the play-offs and were dumped out by Derby County in the semi-finals.
The Elland Road club, though, have seen enough from Bielsa to suggest he can steer them towards promotion next season and activated their option to extend the 63-year-old s contract for another 12 months.
| are delighted to confirm that Chairman has exercised the option to extend Marcelo Bielsa’s contract for a second season
— Leeds United (@LUFC)
A statement on the club s official website read: Leeds are delighted to confirm that chairman Andrea Radrizzani has officially exercised the option to extend Marcelo Bielsa s contract for a second season.
Marcelo has met with the board of directors on a number of occasions over the past few days and has confirmed his intention to continue on in his role of head coach.
Radrizzani added: We were close and next season we will work harder to achieve our goal.
So, let s have another go. I am delighted that Marcelo has agreed to stay for another year – we have unfinished business.