Now Leeds call up JFK, Ali and Mother Teresa in bid to beat the drop
Marsch pins survival hopes on pearls of wisdom from his historic heroes...
NOT content with quoting Mahatma Gandhi to his players, Jesse Marsch says he will also use the words of Mother Teresa, John F Kennedy, Muhammad Ali and Michael Jordan as inspiration as he looks to lead his struggling Leeds side to safety.
Whites winger Jack Harrison revealed his manager recited Indian nationalist leader Gandhi in his team talk before last Sunday’s defeat by Arsenal.
And Marsch has explained why he will continue quoting great historical and sports figures to motivate his players in the relegation run-in.
‘Inspiration is a big part of this job,’ said the American ahead of tonight’s crucial visit of Chelsea.
‘I have 52 excerpts from books that I give players when individually I think that they need something to motivate them.
‘Then I have hundreds of quotes that I use at different moments. I try to think how it might fit in with a season. I love quotes. I love learning from people of the past — sports and historical figures.
‘The key is understanding exactly what messages to use at the right times so that players understand exactly how to handle moments.
‘Here we are in the stress of relegation, trying to stay strong with our belief, our confidence, our commitment and mentality.’
Asked which specific sports and historical figures he admired as leaders, Marsch said: ‘I’ve used Muhammad Ali a few times.
‘Michael Jordan is a guy I am inspired by. I’ve also used the 1998 French football team in the past and the 2008 (USA Olympic basketball) gold medal team.
‘Then there are historical figures, like Gandhi, Mother Teresa, JFK. Different people that I think have meant something to where we are in the world right now. I like to read about those things. I like leadership books. I was a history major at university.’
One player in particular Marsch needs to motivate is winger Raphinha, who has scored just one goal since Leeds changed manager in February. The Brazilian star is expected to leave in the summer, with Barcelona leading the race for his signature.
Marsch refutes that Raphinha’s head has been turned by transfer talk, but concedes he needs to get more out of his star player.
‘I see a person 100 per cent invested in what we’re doing,’ insisted Marsch. ‘He’d do anything to ensure this club stays where it belongs. I like his passion, personality, and desire to win. He’s a fantastic talent but we haven’t got enough out of him.
‘We’ll figure out how to get him the ball more, how to get him in space more so that he can be dangerous and help the team.’
Leeds go into tonight’s crucial clash in the relegation zone, behind Burnley on goal difference, with Brighton and Brentford also still to play.
‘My way of leading is by being positive,’ added Marsch. ‘We have to accept we’re in this situation and we have to stay strong. We must play with no regrets. On game day we have to be a combination of pragmatic, clever and tactically sharp and clear.
‘I’m calm. My vision from the beginning was not just 12 games. My vision is over years. But obviously the first step of my vision is staying in the Premier League.’
Meanwhile, Thomas Tuchel accepts he may not be popular around Chelsea after cancelling a day off ahead of this pivotal week. ‘It’s not the moment for a free day,’ said Tuchel ahead of tonight’s game, and Saturday’s FA Cup final against Liverpool.
The manager ruled out resting stars at Elland Road for fear of injuries. Instead, he has upped their workload as they chase silverware and the top four. ‘Nobody is happy,’ he said. ‘If you want to be loved on a daily basis, you should not become a football coach on a high level.’
Tuchel also revealed he is yet to meet Chelsea’s prospective owner Todd Boehly — or discover how much he will have to spend once the takeover is completed.