Bielsa quits Lazio job after 48 hours, could take Argentina helm

Marcelo Bielsa has abruptly pulled out of coaching Lazio in a shocking move that the 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 and filed with the Italian Football Federation," the Serie A club announced in a statement on Friday.

On Wednesday, Lazio said Bielsa - who quit as Marseille coach after the first match of last season - was set to arrive in Rome this weekend having signed a contract as coach.

It's suspected the Argentinian tactician's made his latest abrupt exit so he can assume the helm of his homeland, journalist Tancredi Palmeri and others have reported. He would succeed Gerardo Martino, who stepped down on Tuesday after leading Argentina to consecutive runner-up finishes at the Copa America.

The eccentric Bielsa - who's credited with influencing the coaching of Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone and Tottenham Hotspur's Mauricio Pochettino - was in charge of Argentina from 1998 to 2004. He led La Albiceleste to Olympic gold in 2004 and second place at the Copa America in the same year.

- With files from The Associated Press