Many Leeds United fans will probably have bittersweet emotions when seeing Jesse Marsch in the dugout for the first time this weekend.
Their supporters were enamoured with Marcelo Bielsa, with the Argentine providing some unbelievable days for the club and restoring them to the Premier League after a long absence. However, it was becoming increasingly clear that his time at Elland Road had run its course.
Marsch will have more than just Leeds fans to convince. There is a certain stigma around American managers in English football, something the former RB Leipzig boss is very much aware of.
Bob Bradley was the first American manager to take manage in the Premier League, having a short and ill-fated spell at Swansea City. David Wagner is the only other manager from the States to spend time in the English top flight, although he was born and raised in Germany before playing international football for the USA.
The reputation of American managers has also been affected by the fictional character of Ted Lasso in recent times.
Speaking at his unveiling this afternoon, Jesse Marsch knows he will have a battle on his hands to shake off comparisons to the Richmond FC man from the Apple TV series. He also denied that his arrival is an attempt from parts owners 49ers Enterprises to 'Americanise' the club.
I think there probably is (a stigma with American managers). I’m not sure Ted Lasso helped. I get it.
I’ve made sure I’ve used the word football since I was a player. More and more in the States we are adapting to what the sport is over here.
It’s the reason I came to Europe and learned German. This is the fifth country I have coached football in. It takes me out of my comfort zone. Challenges me to develop. I’m very cognisant of the fact.
Only way I know how to do things is to go all in and help the people to maximise what we are every day. That sounds like Ted Lasso from what I have heard...
Knowing football history and what Leeds has been in the past, knowing this is a one-club city.
This club has incredible potential to inch itself forward as a bigger and bigger club here in England. With the 49ers, I met them. They are incredibly intelligent people. [49ers Enterprises] are very clear in what has made them successful.
A lot to be learned from them, but that’s not the main reason I am here. To say there is an Americanisation of this club would be incorrect.
Marsch will face a tough test in his opening game of the campaign, travelling to take on Leicester City in Saturday's early kick-off.
He will be hoping to avoid the same struggles that plagued Ted Lasso in his early days in the division.
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