MARCELO BIELSA has officially signed his new Leeds contract – making him the SIXTH highest-paid manager in the Premier League.
This Whites side is yet to kick a ball in the top-flight after romping to promotion from the Championship.
But, such was the extent of their absence, the club’s owners were willing to give Bielsa, 65, a mega pay rise for ending the 16-year wait.
Leeds were already paying the Argentine £6million-a-year back in the Championship.
His arrival was a major statement of intent from the Yorkshire side under majority shareholder Andrea Radrizzani.
And Bielsa will now pocket £8m-a-year after putting pen to paper on a one-year extension.
First up on the former Chile boss’ agenda is the small task of a trip to Anfield for a season opener versus reigning champions Liverpool.
It will give Bielsa the chance to show his stuff on the biggest stage now he is among the division’s top earning coaches.
Reds manager Jurgen Klopp remains tied for second in the wage leaderboard, on £15m-a-year.
Jose Mourinho is estimated to be on the same salary, behind Pep Guardiola and his £20m contract at Manchester City.
Brendan Rodgers takes home £10m-a-year for returning Leicester to Europe, a feat Carlo Ancelotti is charged with matching at Everton – where he earns £11.5m.
Behind Bielsa is Southampton’s £6m boss Ralph Hasenhuttl, who successfully steered the Saints to 11th last year after two seasons of relegation worry.
Pep Guardiola is comfortably the league’s highest-earning managerCredit: AFP or Licensors
Jose Mourinho and Jurgen Klopp complete the pay packet podiumCredit: Reuters
Completing the top ten are a trio of young bosses in charge of their first big club.
In seventh is Ole Gunnar Solskjaer (£7.5m) with Frank Lampard in ninth (£5.5m) and Mikel Arteta in tenth (£5m).
Needless to say, more promising performances from Manchester United, Chelsea or Arsenal will see their former stars shoot up the Premier League pay table.
Brentford captain Pontus Jansson says Marcelo Bielsa is a ‘God’ and says you ‘just have to listen and learn from him’
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
