Kieran Maguire: 49ers will have ‘big say’ in sacking Bielsa after Leeds source reveal
San Francisco 49ers could have a “big say” on whether or not Leeds United will sack beleaguered manager Marcelo Bielsa.
That is the view of finance guru Kieran Maguire, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the 49ers’ influence on key boardroom decisions.
Bielsa’s Leeds have won just one of their last eight matches and conceded 14 goals in the last three against Chelsea, Man City, Arsenal respectively.
A Leeds source told this site on Monday (21 December) that the Argentine is under growing pressure and could be sacked as early as next month.
He would need to oversee a turnaround in results to avoid that fate but is hamstrung by a litany of injuries, suspensions and a Covid outbreak.
There is growing acceptance behind the scenes at Thorp Arch that Bielsa’s fourth season in charge will be his last.
Maguire claims that the 49ers, who increased their stake in the club to 44 per cent in November, could be the masters of the manager’s destiny.
“They would have a big say in this,” he told Football Insider‘s Adam Williams.
“It is a board decision and you have people such as Paraag Marathe who are on the board.
“He will be consulting with colleagues in the UK and US, not only with this but with all things to do with the club.
“You cannot have a significant shareholder being completely ignored.
“The advantage of having the 49ers involved is that they will perhaps be able to take a less emotional approach.
“They are looking at it from a purely financial perspective and that will assist in terms of the decision making.”
Bielsa, who remains popular with supporters, is out of contract at the end of the campaign.
Leeds were set to face Liverpool on Boxing Day but announced today (23 December) that the clash had been called off.
In other news, Alex McLeish suggests Rangers “plan” has been foiled by Celtic after “both arguments” detailed.