Red Bulls coach abruptly leaves
Jesse Marsch, who has had European ambitions, finally looks to be on his way abroad.
The Red Bulls announced the coach has left the club to “pursue other opportunities” with reports suggesting Marsch is on his way to parent club RB Leipzig in Germany. Assistant coach Chris Armas was promoted to fill Marsch’s position.
“We are. fully supportive of Jesse and his decision to pursue a new opportunity,” Red Bulls sporting director Denis Hamlett said in a statement. “Jesse played a large role in establishing our club identity, but the culture here is the result of the dedication and hard work of many. We are confident in Chris Armas. We know Chris and the coaching staff will have our team ready to compete each week, and they will continue to find ways to improve and work towards our ultimate goal of winning MLS Cup.”
Hired in 2015, Marsch became the winningest coach in Red Bulls history across his three and a half seasons. He won the Supporters’ Shield in 2015, his first year, and led the Red Bulls to the U.S. Open Cup finals last season. Under Marsch’s innovative highpressing style, the Red Bulls have also made three playoff appearances during his tenure.
Marsch’s decision to leave is a calculated risk. He leaves arguably his most complete Red Bulls squad ever, which currently sits second in the Eastern Conference with 32 points. The Athletic reported Marsch was in deep discussions to join RB Leipzig, where he could be Leipzig’s interim head coach or an assistant under Ralf Rangnick, the sporting director of the Red Bull brand.
Hoffenheim boss Julian Nagelsmann had been previously named the head coach for Leipzig for the 2019 season.
Armas joined the Red Bulls as an assistant coach under Marsch in 2015. The New York native had previously coached Adelphi University’s women’s soccer team and served as an assistant coach for the Chicago Fire.
Armas’ first test will come when the Red Bulls travel to Yankee Stadium for the Hudson Derby on Sunday. They’ll face a New York City FC team that also has seen coaching turnover recently with Domènec Torrent replacing Patrick Vieira, who left for French Ligue 1 club Nice.