Lazio manager Bielsa quits after 48 hours

ROME: Former Argentina boss Marcelo Bielsa has pulled out of coaching Lazio in a shock move 48 hours after his appointment which the Serie A club said could result in legal action.

“We note with amazement the resignation of Marcelo Bielsa in clear violation of the commitments and agreements signed last week,” the Serie A club said in a statement on Friday.

Just two days ago Lazio said that Bielsa, who had been jobless since he abruptly quit as Marseille handler after the first match of last season, would be arriving here this weekend having signed a contract as coach.

With pre-season training about to begin, Simone Inzaghi will step into the vacant breach, having taken temporary charge in the second half of last season.

The intense Bielsa, known as ‘El Loco’ (the Madman), called Lazio boss Claudio Lotito overnight on Thursday to say he had decided not to come here, Italy’s Gazzetta dello Sport daily reported on Friday.

With Gabriel Batistuta and Hernan Crespo Bielsa’s Argentina were favourites for the 2002 World Cup on the back of some terrifying form only to fall in the first round after a defeat to England.