Loads of Leeds supporters have been reacting on social media after the club announced the news every Whites supporter was waiting for: Andrea Radrizzani has exercised the option to extend Marcelo Bielsa’s contract by a further year.
When the boss arrived in West Yorkshire last year, it was a widely held concern that he would only stay at Elland Road if we were to obtain a top-flight status in his first attempt. Otherwise, he would wash his hands of English football and look for another new challenge.
We came very close to doing so in the regular season, as well, but a late end of year crumble saw United slip into the Play-Off picture while Sheffield United joined Norwich City in the automatic places.
Bielsa then oversaw a First-Leg win at Derby County in the Play-Offs Semi-Final, but it wasn’t to be and the Rams went on to Wembley, where they would taste defeat to Dean Smith’s Aston Villa.
Thankfully, though, Bielsa and the Board of Directors met on a number of occasions following our Play-Off defeat, and reached the positive decision to enter the second year of the Argentine’s contract, with Chairman and owner Radrizzani noting the boss has ‘unfinished business’ at Elland Road.
“As the dust settles on the campaign that has passed, I can reflect and say it was a good season, and I’d like to thank all fans, staff and all friends related to Leeds United for their continued support,” Radrizzani said in a statement, as quoted by Sky Sports.
“We were close and next season we will work harder to achieve our goal. The players have made me proud every week, and the staff at Thorp Arch and Elland Road have gone above and beyond, day after day to ensure we are a well-run football club at the heart of the community.
“A special mention also for the Academy and for their achievements over the past two years, the quality of the home-grown talent we have seen this year is outstanding. Finally, the support from our fans has been the best in the country once again.”
And when news of Bielsa staying was shared on the club’s official Twitter account, here is how some of the Elland Road faithful reacted…
COME ONNNNNNN???????? pic.twitter.com/iTAViiPTlr
— Right In The Gary Kelly’s (@RITGK) May 28, 2019
Brilliant news – now need proper investment into the first team. New experienced GK, CB, Centre midfielder and striker – then promotion almost guaranteed. Take a risk AR – the rewards will be enormous.
— Graham Bloor ???????? (@graham_bloor) May 28, 2019
Buzzing
— Dave Duracell (@DaveDuracell) May 28, 2019
GET IN!!!!!
— ROSSii (@MrROSSii1990) May 28, 2019
YESSSSSS what we’ve all been waiting for ????
— Raluca (@RaLUFC) May 28, 2019
And if you think that’s going to make me rush out on payday and buy next season’s membership, you’re absolutely right.
— Neil Royce (@royceylufc) May 28, 2019
Amazing news and now get new players in
— ????????Leeds Melissa???????? (@AlioskiLeeds31) May 28, 2019
Announce the open top bus parade for may 2020
— Jonny Weare (@JonnyWeare) May 28, 2019
Would prefer Bielsa has agreed to the extension of his contract, but the fact he’s staying is all that matters.
— paul warrick (LUFC) (@paulwarrick3) May 28, 2019
Yes get in come on Leeds special year ahead
— Jordan Townend (@Jordan91966387) May 28, 2019
That it is. ???????? just need the PSG owner now to buy this stake in the club that being talked about ????????
— Declan Benton (@DeccieBenton) May 28, 2019