Bielsa non-commital on Marseille stay

Amid talk he is wanted by the national sides of Japan and Saudi Arabia, Marcelo Bielsa failed to commit to his current employers Marseille.

Marcelo Bielsa has failed to commit his long-term future to Marseille, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season.

The Argentine head coach was originally believed to have signed a two-year deal at the Stade Velodrome, though it was later confirmed he only had a 12-month agreement in place after taking over in May last year.

An impressive campaign has seen Bielsa return Marseille to the Ligue 1 title fight with Lyon and Paris Saint-Germain, reportedly attracting the attention of Japan and Saudi Arabia’s national sides.

“Such rumours are common during this time of the year,” Bielsa said.

“There is nothing new to say. I only speak of concrete facts and I will not confirm or deny this.

“All I can say is that both sides have agreed to this.

“As soon as the season ends, the contract ends. Will I stay at OM? I can’t eliminate the possibility. But I can’t confirm it either.”

Bielsa takes his side to Saint-Etienne this weekend looking to get back to winning ways after two draws, results he blames himself for.

“In the last game [2-2 against Reims] I took too long to make my changes,” added the head coach. “The team was unbalanced in defence.

“[But] I do not like to make changes to the game situations. The big teams adapt.”