NEW head coach Marcelo Bielsa hopes his Leeds team will take the game by the "scruff of the neck".

The Argentinian signed a two-year deal to succeed Paul Heckingbottom at Elland Road, with an option for a third season.

Speaking in his first press conference on Monday, via a translator, Bielsa said: "I want people to take the game by the scruff of the neck, to get the ball and play.

"We have an obligation as managers to put in place what we believe to be right. I think the players have enough about them to take my beliefs into action."

Leeds chairman Andrea Radrizzani introduced Bielsa, whom he said had "other options" over the Yorkshire outfit, adding his experience "speaks for itself" and he was the man who could help change the "mentality in the club".

The 62-year-old had successful spells in charge of his national team as well as neighbouring Chile, and feels ready for the new challenge ahead.

"It was a case of me convincing myself, no one had to convince me," Bielsa said.

"I was convinced by the strength of Leeds United as a club and institution and the possibilities of Leeds in a sporting sense.

"I looked from a sporting point of view. Those things came about together to help me make my choice."

Bielsa insisted there were no plans for major changes.

"For the moment we're not intending to bring too many new faces in," he said, adding there could also be some departures in a "trimmed down squad".

However, the Argentinean coach would not set any targets for a first campaign in England, with Leeds fans longing for a return to the Premier League.

"It's imprudent to promise something when there are so many uncertainties, but at the same time not to be impossible dreaming about that happening," he said.

"With the history of this club, they know how to measure success and failure at the end of the season.

"I much prefer to try and demonstrate, to give examples rather than predict."