Leeds appoint American manager after Bielsa sacking

LEEDS United have appointed former RB Leipzig boss Jesse Marsch as the new manager to try and salvage their Premier League status after Marcelo Bielsa’s sacking, the club said on Monday.

In a statement, the club said Marsch had signed a deal as head coach that will run until June 2025.

Pending international clearance the 48-year-old American’s first game in charge will be Saturday’s trip to Leicester City. Argentine Bielsa was sacked on Sunday after a slump in form, culminating in a 4-0 home defeat by Tottenham Hotspur the previous day, left the Yorkshire club hovering just above the Premier League’s relegation zone.

Speaking about the appointment, Leeds United Director of Football Victor Orta said: “We are delighted to welcome Jesse to the club and excited for him to lead us into this new chapter.

“Jesse is someone we identified a number of years ago during his time at Red Bull Salzburg and we believe his philosophy and style of football aligns with that of the club and will suit the players very well.”

Marsch, a former US international midfielder, played in the MLS for DC United, Chicago Fire and Chivas USA. | Reuters