Marcelo Bielsa emerges as suprise contender to succeed Garry Monk as Swansea City manager

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Marcelo Bielsa emerges as suprise contender to succeed Garry Monk as Swansea City manager

The fact that Swansea City chairman Huw Jenkins has flown to South America has sparked a flurry of speculation that he is there to find Garry Monk’s replacement as manager, with former Argentina coach Marcelo Bielsa emerging as favourite.

Bielsa is a surprise contender to succeed Monk, who was sacked last week after a run of one win in 11 Premier League games. The 60-year-old has been out of work since quitting as Marseilles coach just one match into the new season and his dramatic resignation fitted in with his volatile reputation and his nickname of “El Loco”.

He had joined Marseilles at the start of the 2014-15 season and they led the Ligue 1 standings for much of the first half of the campaign before fading badly to finish fourth.

Bielsa, who was linked to Swansea’s Welsh neighbours Cardiff when Malky Mackay was sacked two years ago, has a hugely impressive CV having coached both Argentina and Chile at the 2002 and 2010 World Cup finals respectively.

The Rosario-born coach also steered Athletic Bilbao to the Europa League and Copa del Rey finals in 2013. He was once described by Bayern Munich’s Pep Guardiola as the “best manager in the world” but his appointment would represent a risk for Swansea, who only lie outside the relegation zone on goal difference following Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Manchester City.

Bielsa does not speak English, has never managed in the Premier League and his colourful style of management might upset some players.He has lasted barely beyond two years at any of his former clubs in Argentina, Mexico and Spain, with his longer stints only coming in his international jobs.

Jenkins’ primary concern is finding a coach who will provide a short-term fix and lead the club away from relegation trouble, especially with the massive £5.1bn Premier League television deal starting next season.

Chile coach Jorge Sampaoli remains on Swansea’s radar and could also be the subject of Jenkins’ visit in South America. Former Sunderland and Brighton manager Gus Poyet, now at AEK Athens, remains a possible candidate and Sevilla’s Unai Emery is also admired by the Swansea hierarchy