LEEDS will aim high when Marcelo Bielsa’s fantasy reign ends — with Sevilla boss Julen Lopetegui top of their wish list.
Bielsa’s amazing work has been rewarded with a place on the five-strong shortlist for the Best FIFA Men’s Coach award.
Sevilla boss Julen Lopetegui is top of Leeds’ wish list if Marcelo Bielsa leavesCredit: EPA
But if the Argentinian decides to pack his bags at any point Leeds chiefs have another of that elite quintet in their sights.
Lopetegui — running for the gong alongside Bielsa, Jurgen Klopp, Hansi Flick and Zinedine Zidane — is a favourite of Leeds owner Andrea Radrizanni and has restored his name with a stunning spell at Sevilla.
Lopetegui was coach of Spain before being axed when Real Madrid came calling.
But he lasted just four months in the Bernabeu hot seat and was sacked in October 2018.
He joined Sevilla in June 2019, guiding them to fourth place in La Liga and a sixth Europa League title last term.
This season, Sevilla find themselves fifth in La Liga and will battle Chelsea for top spot in their Champions League group having already secured qualification to the last-16.
Marcelo Bielsa has become a hero at Leeds after leading the club back to the Premier LeagueCredit: EPA
Lopetegui, 54, is under contract until 2022 so compensation would be an issue if the Leeds hierarchy are called into action sooner rather than later.
Regardless, he will be at the top of the wanted list should Bielsa call it a day.
The Spaniard came close to joining Wolves in 2016 before accepting the Spain job and has expressed interest in working in the Premier League one day.
Sevilla lift the Europa League trophy after beating Inter Milan 3-2
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
