It was hardly unexpected news, but it still felt a bit strange to see Leeds United sack Marcelo Bielsa. You would hardly find a coach in world football who was more popular among their club's supporters than the Argentine was at Elland Road, but their recent results made is very difficult for him to continue in the role.
It was not just the results that would have been of concern to the club, but also the nature of the losses. Leeds looked completely open at the back and were shipping goals at a ridiculous rate.
Bielsa was never going to chance his approach, making this move the logical next step to take.
Leeds are thought to have already lined up his successor, with Jesse Marsch set to be appointed as manager as soon as tomorrow. The American has managed the likes of Montreal Impact and Red Bull Salzburg, also having a short spell in charge of RB Leipzig at the start of this season.
While his spell in the Bundesliga did not work out, the 48-year old is viewed by many as one of the most promising up and coming coaches in the game. However, not all are convinced that he is the right choice for Leeds.
Andy Gray is someone who is known for his 'proper football man' views, so it probably won't come as a shock to learn that he is unsure why Leeds are appointing Marsch when they are more familiar options are available.
🗣️ "I would be on the phone to Sam Allardyce as we speak and say we only have one objective... Just get us safe!"@richardajkeys & Andy Gray react to Marcelo Bielsa's sacking and Jesse Marsch links.#beINPL #LUFC
Watch Now 👉 https://t.co/hkoevnV6B4 pic.twitter.com/tKKCVhSiIf— beIN SPORTS (@beINSPORTS_EN) February 27, 2022
They've been in a sequence of results that made is impossible to continue with him as coach I felt, even though since Don Revie he's probably the most popular coach Leeds fans have had at Elland Road...
I'm confused with the appointment, I know it had been touted.
You're appointing somebody called Jesse Marsch who knows nothing about the Premier League, he has not worked in it or pied his trade in it.
You ask him to come into the most difficult league in world football and say 'rescue this team' that is down there at the moment, confidence wise, belief wise, everything.
You ask a guy that is untried at this kind of level to do that.
Keys suggesting Sam Allardyce as the man for the job is the least surprising thing you're ever going to see.
For the likes of Andy Gray, Premier League experience trumps all else. They would seemingly rather appoint somebody that has struggled in the division as opposed to taking a chance on a more outside of the box name. It explains the managerial merry-go-round we often see in the Premier League and Championship.
Leeds currently find themselves in a very precarious position in the league table, sitting just above the relegation zone having played more games than most of their rivals for survival.
Marsch's first task will be sort out their defence, with the club having conceded the most goals in the division up to this point.
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