Jesse Marsch has been announced as Leeds United's new manager.
After another heavy defeat on Saturday afternoon, the writing was on the wall for Marcelo Bielsa at Leeds United. On Sunday, the club terminated his contract.
Leeds were winless in six matches and conceded twenty goals in their last five. Something had to change and unfortunately, that had to be a man many admired getting his walking papers.
Fans understandably found it difficult to separate emotion and long-term goals, as Bielsa won them over by earning Leeds a return to the top-flight.
But it's a results-based business these days and nine managers have been sacked in the Premier League so far this season in similar circumstances.
So who is the man set to succeed Bielsa at Elland Road? Here's a profile on RB Leipzig man Jesse Marsch:
On this day in 1998, Jesse Marsch scored & Zach Thornton kept a clean sheet as Chicago Fire beat LA Galaxy 1-0 in leg one West Conference finals.#MLS | #CF97 | #cffc pic.twitter.com/uzPVYWdGFD
— Pedro Rondon H de Sá (@usasupersoccer) October 10, 2021
Jesse Marsch's Background
American-born Marsch grew up in Wisconsin and played collegiate soccer with Princeton University, an Ivy League school based in New Jersey.
He went on to have a thirteen-year career in the MLS, including stints at the likes of D.C. United and Chicago Fire. He played predominantly as an attacking midfielder.
His playing career came to an end in 2009, and soon after he was drafted into the US men's national team setup as an assistant coach alongside Bob Bradley.
Bradley coached Jesse Marsch at college and all three of his MLS clubs. After over a year with the national team, his first head coaching role came with expansion team Montreal Impact.
He spent a season there before departing in 2012, citing differences in managerial philosophy. That year Montreal Impact finished twelfth in the league.
In 2015, he was appointed manager of New York Red Bulls. He was named the MLS Coach of the Year in his first season and finished top of the Eastern Conference in both seasons in charge.
Unfortunately, the New York Red Bulls were knocked out in the MLS playoffs in 2015 and 2016. In 2017, they fall back to sixth and Marsch parted ways the year after.
🗣 Jesse Marsch's halftime speech from #RBNYvCHI
MATCHDAY: New York Red Bulls vs. Chicago Fire
📺➡️ https://t.co/kDoIJWYDA0#RBNY pic.twitter.com/IDwh8p4XBb— New York Red Bulls (@NewYorkRedBulls) April 25, 2018
RB Leipzig and Red Bull Salzburg
After leaving the MLS, Jesse Marsch went to RB Leipzig and acted as assistant boss to now Manchester United man Ralf Rangnick for the 2018/2019 season.
That year they placed third in the Bundesliga, made it to the Europa League group stages, and lost to Bayern Munich in the final of the DFB Pokal.
After one season in Germany, Marsch was appointed as head coach of Austrian champions Red Bull Salzburg. They won the double that year, 12 points clear of Rapid Wien.
Marsch and Salzburg won the double again in 2020-2021 and after two seasons, it led to a move back to Germany, this time as manager of RB Leipzig.
The American's time at Leipzig was short-lived. He was sacked four months into the 2021/2022 season with a record of seven wins, four draws, and six losses.
Leeds United have full agreement with Jesse Marsch to be appointed as new head coach. It’s just matter of time, announcement expected next week. ⚪️🇺🇸 #LUFC
Once work permit is completed, Leeds will announce their new manager. pic.twitter.com/wGqqr6C2iW— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 27, 2022
The Picture At Leeds United
It's a tough task for any manager to try and revitalise this Leeds United side. They find themselves in a difficult position in the Premier League.
Two points separate Leeds and Burnley in 18th, with the Clarets having two games in hand, albeit against Leicester City and Chelsea.
Suring up the defence will be a top priority and Jesse Marsch will be hoping to welcome back two key men in Patrick Bamford and Kalvin Phillips from injury.
Phil Hay of The Athletic reckons the two players could return for the Aston Villa game on March 10th. "I don't think they'll be far off that date," he said.
Leeds have conceded 6o goals this season, the most of any Premier League team, which has already surpassed the 54 they allowed last season.
They travel to the King Power to face Leicester City this weekend, followed by a welcome of Aston Villa and Norwich City to Elland Road the week after.
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