Leeds sack Marsch and on look out for new boss
Leeds have launched a search for their 13th head coach in less than a decade after parting company with Jesse Marsch following a dreadful run of results.
American Marsch was relieved of his duties 24 hours on from a 1-0 defeat at promoted NottinghamForestafterwhich disgruntled fans called for his head. A statement on Leeds’ official website said: “Leeds Unitedcanconfirmheadcoach JesseMarschhasbeenrelieved of his duties. Jesse joined the club in February 2022 and was instrumental in keeping the club in the Premier League on the final day of last season.
“Rene Maric, Cameron Toshack and Pierre Barrieu will also leave the club. We would like to thank Jesse and his backroom staff for their efforts and wish them well for the future. The process of appointing a new head coach is underwayandwewillcontinue to keep supporters up to date throughout the coming days.”
Marsch’s departure comes with the club sitting in 17th place in the Premier League table, clear of the relegation zone only on goal difference, andhavingcollectedjustthree points from the last 21 they have contested.
TheformerRBLeipzigboss was drafted in as Marcelo Bielsa’s replacement with Leeds hoping he could pick up the baton from the Argentinian. Speaking at the time, he knew he had big shoes to fill amid some unfavourable reaction, but urged supporters to give him a chance.
He said: “I have a lot to prove to our fan base that I’m the right guy to follow such a hero like Marcelo Bielsa. But I think the key is when they see the team play and they play with passion, heart and they show that they’re also intelligentandclearwiththeplaying model and they’re aggressive, then the fans will tolerate the coacheveniftheydon’tlikehis accent or if he’s not as popular as the previous coach.”
Director of football Victor Orta was confident Marsch would win over his doubters.
He said: “We have a longterm plan and firmly believe he can take Leeds United to the next level and are excited for what the future holds.”
Marsch was never really able to address the problems which blighted the latter days of the Bielsa era with injuries and recruitment blighting his efforts to build upon that escape.