Marcelo Bielsa tipped for ’emotional reunion’ with Leeds United in 2026

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Marcelo Bielsa has been tipped to return to Elland Road as Leeds United manager in 2026, despite Daniel Farke’s recent turnaround in results.

Daniel Farke is riding the crest of a wave at Leeds, having guided his side to five games unbeaten to end 2025.

The 49ers were reportedly just days away from dismissing Farke following Leeds’ defeat against Manchester City, as the Whites flirted with the bottom three in the Premier League.

However, Farke has inspired a resurgence at Elland Road, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin enjoying the best scoring run of his career.

By contrast, legendary former manager Marcelo Bielsa is struggling with Uruguay. Despite Farke’s strong recent form, Bielsa has now been tipped to replace Farke before the end of the new calendar year.

Leeds United legend Marcelo Bielsa could be on the market after the World Cup. Is the time right for him to come back to Elland Road?

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Prediction states that Marcelo Bielsa will replace Daniel Farke at Leeds United

According to a prediction by The Athletic, the 49ers may still decide to replace Farke this year, with Bielsa looking shaky in his current position.

They believe that, even though Farke is enjoying a better run of results in West Yorkshire, the temptation to bring the Uruguayan back to Elland Road may prove too strong should he find himself out of a job after the World Cup.

The report states: “Things don’t seem to be going swimmingly for Marcelo Bielsa as head coach of Uruguay’s national team.

“Leeds are, despite their recent good results, still among the favourites to be relegated this season.

“The chances are they will have a managerial vacancy in 2026. It’s all pointing to one very emotional reunion.”

• READ MORE: Dominic Calvert-Lewin told how many goals will tempt Thomas Tuchel to call up Leeds United ace

Leeds United cannot allow sentiment to dictate their next managerial appointment

Bielsa remains an incredibly popular figure at Leeds several years on from his departure, having steered the Whites back into the Premier League, playing a thrilling brand of attacking football.

However, the world of football has moved on since Bielsa left the Premier League, with a more direct, physical approach now in vogue.

Farke has shown that he is willing to adapt his style of play to cope with this, encouraging Ethan Ampadu to use his long throw and profiting from Anton Stach’s deadly set-piece delivery.

Bielsa has many admirable qualities, but tactical flexibility is not one of them. As a result, when the time does come for Leeds to replace Farke, they cannot afford to allow sentimentality to dictate that decision.