Marcelo Bielsa 'heard out' Leeds United return before taking Uruguay role | OneFootball

Uruguay’s dismal World Cup has thrust Marcelo Bielsa back into the Leeds United conversation, amid a claim he heard out an approach about a return to Elland Road before taking the national job.

The Athletic reports that Bielsa drew interest from Bournemouth, Crystal Palace and Athletic Club, came extremely close to joining Everton, and listened to a Leeds pitch before Daniel Farke was appointed.

Uruguay exited at the first hurdle in the United States, drawing with South Africa and Cape Verde before losing 1-0 to Spain. After the final game, Bielsa bellowed at a pitch-side flash interviewer following another error by veteran goalkeeper Fernando Muslera.

That brought an end to a reign that began brightly then ended in recrimination. Bielsa left Elland Road in February 2022, became Uruguay head coach in May 2023, and Farke arrived two months later.

Farke’s first season took Leeds to the play-off final, where they lost to Southampton. His second delivered the Championship title. Last year, his third, he secured Premier League safety with something to spare and reached the FA Cup semi-finals.

Source: Leeds Live