Marcelo Bielsa’s former assistant Jan Van Winckel has declined an opportunity to join the Argentine as part of his backroom staff at Leeds United.
Leeds have been in talks with Bielsa and his representatives over the legendary coach taking charge of the club this summer as their new head coach.
They got rid of Paul Heckingbottom last week and the 62-year-old has emerged as Leeds’ first choice target as they look forward to another summer of churn at Elland Road.
While negotiations have been positive, a deal has not been agreed yet, but it has been claimed Bielsa is already planning the make-up of a potential backroom team at Leeds.
However, his plans have already received a blow as according to Belgian daily Het Nieuwsblad, his former assistant Van Winckel has rejected Bielsa’s approach to join his potential staff at Elland Road.
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The 44-year-old was assistant to the Argentine during his reign at Marseille and became the technical director of the Saudi Arabia FA in 2015.
The Belgian has decided to continue in his role in Saudi Arabia rather than potentially take up the position of assistant to Bielsa at Leeds in the Championship.
Leeds are hopeful of having their new head coach in place before the end of the week and Bielsa remains the prime candidate to take charge at Elland Road.
