Marcelo Bielsa quits Lazio after only 48 hours

Former Argentina boss Marcelo Bielsa has resigned as manager of Lazio after just two days in charge, the Seria A club said in a statement on Friday.

“We note with amazement the resignation of Mr. Marcelo Bielsa … in a clear violation of the commitments undertaken in the agreements signed last week,” Lazio said, adding that it reserved the right to take legal action.

“The company reserves all actions to protect its rights [and] entrusts the management of the team in the final preparatory retreat to Mr Simone Inzaghi.”

Early speculation has suggested Gerardo Martino’s decision to step down as Argentina coach may have prompted countryman Bielsa, who previously coached the national team from 1998 to 2004, to reconsider his next move.

Bielsa, replaced Stefano Pioli, had been touted as a potential successor to the post of Argentina coach following the resignation of Gerardo Martino on Tuesday.

He has already had a six-year stint as Argentina coach, helping the team to win the gold medal at the 2004 Olympics in Athens and reach second place in the 2004 Copa America.

The 60-year-old also coached Chile for almost four years from 2007. Under his stewardship, Chile reached the last 16 of the 2010 World Cup for the first time in 48 years before losing to Brazil.

Lazio finished eighth in Serie A last season but had been without a permanent manager since Pioli was sacked in April.