Marcelo Bielsa linked with surprise return to management with international side

Bielsa was sacked by Leeds United last month

Marcelo Bielsa is being linked with a return to management with the Bolivia national team, just weeks after his sacking by Leeds United. The 66-year-old has held talks with the Bolivian FA regarding the vacant manager's job, according to the body's president Fernando Costa. The Argentine was dismissed by Leeds at the end of last month after four years in charge at Elland Road, with a torrid run of results putting Leeds' Premier League future into serious doubt.

The Bolivian FA are 'in contact' with 'El Loco'

However, Bielsa might be set for a return to management sooner than expected, with Costa confirming at a recent press conference that the Bolivian FA were 'in contact' with 'El Loco' as they look to replace Cesar Farias. "I won't deny that we are in touch with him,' Costa said. 'We have not yet had a meeting, but we are close to speaking with him," said Costa.

"We are speaking with a number of coaches, including national team managers, and listening to what they have to offer.

"Once we have a sheaf of proposals we will evaluate them. It is important to know how much money we have available for our national teams."

https://twitter.com/Sachk0/status/1507254640207089666 Bielsa guided Leeds back to the Premier League after winning the Championship title in 2020 - with the Yorkshire outfit finishing in ninth-place in their first Premier League campaign since the 2003-04 season. Despite this, the Whites struggled to live-up to their first season form this campaign, which left them hovering perilously close to the relegation zone. This led to American Jesse Marsch succeeding Bielsa, with the former RB Leipzig boss winning two of his first four matches in the hot-seat.

Unable to qualify for this year's World Cup

Boliva - who have not reached the World Cup since 1994 - are unable to qualify for this year's World Cup in Qatar after they suffered a 3-0 defeat to Colombia on Thursday.

Related links:

• Leeds United sack Marcelo Bielsa after slide towards relegation places
• David Moyes reveals how Marcelo Bielsa derailed Man Utd title win
• Liam Cooper: Nothing can prepare you for Bielsa