Sky Sports pundit slams Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch for Raphinha move, predicts 2022 sack
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...
Jesse Marsch was the wrong man to replace Marcelo Bielsa and he will be gone by Christmas whether Leeds United are relegated or not says Paul Robinson.
The American replaced the much-loved Argentine at the end of February and oversaw a strong run of results, but fortunes have turned and the club are in the relegation zone on goal-difference heading into the final game.
After fans chanted the former-manager’s name during recent games, Sky Sports pundit Robinson pointed to the decision to play star attacker Raphinha as a wing-back as a key indicator that Marsch isn’t up to the job.
Of the recent chants for the legendary ex-boss he told MOT Leeds News: “I think it’s purely out of frustration, because the legacy that Bielsa’s left, it was always going to be a big gap to fill.
“As soon as things didn’t go exactly according to plan it was always going to be the case that Bielsa’s name would come up again.
“My personal opinion is that they were right to change Bielsa when they did, and that the change was made at the right time.
“But I think they’ve got the wrong man.
“I think the way that they set up against Chelsea, Leeds’ most creative player – the attacking goal threat – Raphinha, played at right wing-back, which is almost inexcusable.
“Going forward they’ve struggled in recent weeks.
“The most creative player with assists and with goals, the biggest threat going forward, has played right wing-back in a back five which bemused me.
“Team selection has been fairly similar because of the personnel that [Marsch’s] got available to him, but shapes and systems have changed very quickly.
“I think from a fans’ point of view, when you think back to the way that Leeds were getting beaten, especially the Spurs game, the confidence was drained out of them.
“They almost weren’t facing the right way and all confidence seemed to be lost in Bielsa.
“The decision was correct to change the manager at the time, but I question whether they’ve got the right person.
“If he keeps them in the Premier League it will be a vindicated decision.
“But then I look beyond that next season, can I see him lasting longer than Christmas, regardless of what division they’re in? No I can’t.”
When Luke Ayling lost his head and ruled himself out for the remaining games through suspension Marsch was left with a problem on the right side of his defence, especially with Stuart Dallas out injured.
As soon as he mentioned the potentially exit-bound Brazilian as an option after the Arsenal match it felt like a mistake, and the end of the team’s chances of keeping him.
The jury remains on out the manager after results took a nose-dive, but keep the Whites up on the final day and the assessment will be infinitely more positive.
In other Leeds United news, the club think they are backed by rest of the league as they threaten rival with legal action.