49ers play role in major Leeds United move to hire Jesse Marsch – pundit
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United...
Paul Robinson believes the San Fransisco 49ers had some kind of role in Marcelo Bielsa being sacked by Leeds United and replaced by Jesse Marsch.
On 5 November, the NFL franchise increased their stake in Leeds to 44 per cent as it looks increasingly likely they’ll eventually take total control of the West Yorkshire club from Andrea Radrizzani.
Marsch has now become the third American manager in Premier League history and the feeling is that Paraag Marathe, Leeds’ vice chairman and the 49ers’ president, may have played a role in that.
“I’m not so sure it’s the end of the Radrizzani era but if I was a betting man, I would say that the American influence has had something to do with appointing an American coach,” said Robinson to MOT Leeds News.
“The 49ers’ investment is key at the moment to the club although there were no finances put in during January for the purchase of players.
“There are people who have invested in the club that don’t want to see their investment losing stock in going down to the Championship.
“If you look at what’s happened over the last 17 years for Leeds, to be out of the Premier League for that long, it’s almost unthinkable so I think there’s a potential for there to be some input from Stateside with regards to the firing and hiring of the two managers.
“I’m not privy to information from the inside but if you put two and two together you make four and if you look at it logically, there are certain things that do stack up.”
Radrizzani has been the Leeds owner since 2017 when he bought the club off Massimo Cellino.
He’s slowly sold off shares to the 49ers, who no doubt have much more spending power than the Italian businessman.
Leeds have come a long way under Radrizzani – but maybe it’s down to someone else to take the Yorkshire club to that next step?
In other Leeds United news, Laura Woods has shared what she’s heard about new United boss Marsch.