Turkish outlet Hurriyet claim Marcelo Bielsa has been pinpointed as Fenerbahce’s top target this summer – after the Argentine was sacked by Leeds United. It is believed talks could take place as early as this week.
Bielsa, 66, was relieved of his duties after almost more than four years at Elland Road. A spell in which the Argentine became a legend at Leeds, gaining promotion from the Championship after 16 years in the wilderness.
But having picked up one point from their last five games, and conceding 20 times in that run, the Leeds board have decided to make a change. Relegation is a real threat, and they have handed the reigns to Jesse Marsch.
Hurriyet now report that Bielsa has emerged as the front runner to take the Fenerbahce job. Current Fener boss Ismail Kartal is out of contract in the summer; the SuperLig side need a replacement – Bielsa now a top target.
The report says Joachim Low and Jorge Jesus are also targets for Fenerbahce – but Bielsa is first choice after his Leeds exit. Hurriyet say talks could take place between the two parties as early as this week.
Fenerbahce eye Bielsa: Big decision to make after Leeds exit
Bielsa has always joined clubs that have little chance of winning a title. Leeds won the Championship title, but that is obviously a second-tier trophy. Promotion was the bigger prize, returning to the Premier League.
Athletic Bilbao, Marseille, Lille – they are all top-half clubs, but some way away from winning the title (although Lille did win Ligue 1 last term). Fenerbahce would give Bielsa the chance to win a proper, top-tier title.
However, turning 67 in the summer, the chances of Bielsa re-embarking on a European challenge until he is 70 seems unlikely. It is very possible that he could return to his boyhood club, Newell’s Old Boys.
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