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The implications of the Marcelo Bielsa sacking at Leeds United are still being felt – with one observer suggesting Diego Llorente’s poor form was a significant factor in his dismissal.

The legendary Argentinian coach parted company with Leeds on Sunday, bringing an end to his eventful spell in charge. In his three-and-a-half years at the helm, Bielsa led Leeds from a mid-table Championship club up to ninth in the Premier League. However, a series of injuries this season has seriously limited Leeds’ threat – and left them facing a fight to retain their status.

Leeds have acted quickly to replace Bielsa at the helm with new man Jesse Marsch.

As it stands, Marsch will hope to hit the ground running at Leeds. Indeed, in his first interview as Whites manager, Marsch has outlined his vision for the Elland Road club.

Marsch now has 12 matches to help pull Leeds clear of the relegation zone. A run of five defeats in six games – many of them by heavy scorelines – leaves Leeds just two points clear of the bottom three.

And while the decision to axe Bielsa has not gone down well with all fans, chairman Andrea Radrizzani says he felt he was left with little choice.

That said, the reverberations of the Bielsa sacking exit are still being felt.

Llorente form deserted him

Now pundit Paul Robinson has pointed an accusing finger at Llorente. He suggests the Spain star’s disappointing form in defence this past month may have played a part in Bielsa’s dismissal.

Llorente – an £18m signing from Real Sociedad in September 2020 – was a key figure at Leeds last season. However, he’s not been able to play at his consistent best this time around. He was poor against Tottenham on Saturday as Tottenham ran out 4-0 winners – the final game of Bielsa’s reign.

Now Robinson feels Llorente’s poor form – as well as a lack of quality going forwards – played a factor in his sacking.

Speaking to MOT Leeds News about Llorente, Robinson said: “Llorente’s defending has been schoolboy at times. His defending has been inexcusable, which hasn’t helped the situation.

“Yes, they’ve created chances but they haven’t got Bamford up there, they haven’t got Kalvin Phillips. They’re creating chances but they’re not taking them.

Leeds players no longer took any risks

“Do you know what? The longer it goes, the players don’t want to lose possession so rather than take that chance in the final third, they’ll play the easy ball so they don’t lose possession. Nobody wanted to take that risk.

“The quality in the final third they had has gone due to a lack of confidence. That’s the reason they’re not creating as many chances as they did.”

Llorente was substituted at half-time during the recent 4-2 defeat to Manchester United. He later missed the 6-0 drubbing at Liverpool before starting returning against Tottenham.

However, poor judgement from him allowed Harry Kane to ghost in behind him to score Spurs’ third with too-much ease.

READ MORE: Marsch arrival gives Leeds huge lift in pursuit of dream Victor Orta transfer target

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