Leeds United captain Liam Cooper confronted former Whites boss Marcelo Bielsa during the final weeks of his reign in a bid to get the Argentinian to 'rethink his philosophy' at Elland Road, according to journalist Dean Jones.

Bielsa was sacked as the Yorkshire giants' head coach last month, ending a reign which had seen him guide the club back into the Premier League after a 16-year exodus.

What's the latest news involving Bielsa and Cooper?

Bielsa won 81 of his 170 matches at the Elland Road helm, but a run of four consecutive defeats - which had seen Leeds concede 17 goals in the process - proved to be the final straw.

The worrying loss of form had left the Whites precariously close to the relegation zone, with a return to the Championship being a distinct possibility.

Leeds chairman Andrea Radrizzani admitted axing Bielsa was 'the toughest decision I have had to make during my tenure'.

Cooper had been a key component of the Argentinian's side, taking his number of Whites appearances up to 240.

However, he has not been on the pitch since picking up an injury in the 2-2 draw with Brentford in December.

The 30-year-old returned to contention last Friday but was an unused substitute for the 3-2 victory at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

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What has Dean Jones said about Cooper?

Jones understands Cooper attempted to get Bielsa to reevaluate his strategy in the closing stages of the 66-year-old's tenure.

The central defender was eager for Bielsa to turn Leeds' season around, but his efforts to convince Bielsa fell on deaf ears.

Transfer insider Jones told GIVEMESPORT: "I know that he was one of the players that was trying to get Bielsa to rethink his philosophy in those final weeks of his reign.

"He was desperate for things to work out. He was desperate for the side to get back on track."

How have Leeds performed since Bielsa's sacking?

Jesse Marsch was appointed as Leeds' head coach just 24 hours after Bielsa was shown the door, with director of football Victor Orta admitting the American had been identified as a candidate to move into the hot seat 'a number of years ago'.

After a difficult start in his new surroundings, Marsch has led Leeds to back-to-back victories over Norwich City and Wolves.

Those wins have allowed the Whites to move seven points clear of the Premier League's dreaded drop zone and bolstered the club's hopes of maintaining their top flight status.