ROME — In the latest controversy in his coaching career, Marcelo Bielsa quit as coach of Lazio on Friday, just two days after the Italian club announced it signed the former Argentina manager.
In a short statement on the club website, Lazio described its "amazement at the resignation of Marcelo Bielsa and his staff, in a clear violation of the engagements made in the contracts signed last week."
The club added that the team’s preseason training was being handed over to Simone Inzaghi, who coached the side in the final weeks of last season.
The club fired Stefano Pioli in April and put former player Inzaghi in charge following a 4-1 derby loss to Roma.
Lazio said on Wednesday that Bielsa and his staff would be in Rome this weekend.
Last season, Marseille condemned Bielsa’s sudden decision to resign as coach after the first match of the season.
He was out of contract but had struck an agreement with club president Vincent Labrune to extend his tenure. Bielsa said he changed his mind because Marseille officials allegedly amended the terms of the new deal at the last minute.
Marseille’s board of directors hit back, saying the club "can’t submit itself to a single man’s rule."
The previous season, Bielsa caused controversy early in his tenure when he publicly criticized Labrune for not consulting him during the transfer window, saying he did not get the right players.
