Leeds United’s director of football Victor Orta was ‘always going to be under pressure’ following his decision to sack Marcelo Bielsa, according to pundit Carlton Palmer.

Orta was part of the Leeds hierarchy who decided to relieve the hugely popular former manager of his duties in February and was extremely influential in appointing Jesse Marsch as his successor.

What is the latest news involving Orta?

Bielsa engrained himself into the history of Leeds after guiding them back to the Premier League following a 16-year absence before securing a ninth-placed finish last term.

However, a run of five defeats in six top-flight fixtures left the Whites hovering just two points above the relegation zone and with the worst defensive record in the division.

Owner Andrea Radrizzani described the decision to sack Bielsa as the ‘toughest decision’ of his Leeds tenure, and a club statement promised a ‘permanent tribute’ to the Argentine tactician.

But the Elland Road outfit moved swiftly to appoint his successor, bringing in Marsch with Orta admitting he was someone the club had identified several years prior to his arrival.

"Jesse is someone we identified a number of years ago during his time at Red Bull Salzburg, and we believe his philosophy and style of football aligns with that of the club and will suit the players very well,” said Orta.

What has Palmer said about Leeds?

After a slow start to life in west Yorkshire, Marsch oversaw back-to-back wins prior to the international break, but Palmer believes the scrutiny will remain around Orta.

In an exclusive interview, he told GiveMeSport: “He’s always going to be under pressure, I think, for getting rid of Bielsa.

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“He's always going to be under pressure if results are not going well, if the team's not performing well, the fans will always have Bielsa close to their heart.

“So, if things are not going well, of course, the hierarchy of the club will come under pressure because they will say, ‘Well, why did you get rid of Bielsa?’"

Can Leeds avoid relegation?

Following their crucial victories over Norwich City and Wolves, Leeds are now seven points clear of the bottom three, although Watford have one game in hand over them, and Burnley have two.

Much could be decided in Leeds’ next three fixtures, though. They face Southampton and Crystal Palace either side of a trip to Vicarage Road to take on the Hornets.

If Marsch can steer his side to some positive results in April, then Leeds will surely be confident of avoiding the drop, although that will be easier said than done.