Jesse Marsch’s early stance with Leeds United squad shared
New Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch looks set to be an open communicator with his squad on early impressions reports Graham Smyth.
The American was appointed on Monday (28 February) to replace Marcelo Bielsa, and gave his first press conference yesterday, where he acknowledged the importance of the 66-year-old.
With the club staring relegation thanks to the dreadful defensive form he has a major job to do, after his mooted summer arrival was brought forward.
Smyth writes in the Yorkshire Evening Post: “Marsch, who according to sources has presented an approachable persona to his players this week, is happy to be here at Leeds and happy to be talking football, albeit a little sooner than he initially expected and perhaps even wanted.”
“He arrived at Thorp Arch for the first time on Monday but, recognising the intensity of the emotion swirling around the training ground, kept it to a brief introduction.
“By Thursday, he was drilling set-pieces alongside his assistants Cameron Toshack, Franky Schiemer and interim first-team coach Mark Jackson.”
First impressions
It was never going to be easy for whoever eventually followed the United institution that Bielsa became.
For all the emotion attached to the Argentine’s departure, it probably has made it slightly easier for his successor that the form was so bad.
And, as far as they can be before the side has been in action, Marsch appears to have made a good impression.
He seems self-aware and personable which helps in any situation, but for the players specifically his outlook is important now.
The growth that the previous manager was able to bring out of various members of the squad, and the success they experienced under him, could make some hesitant to embrace the new man.
So a cold, task-master type of persona would have made it an uncomfortable place to be at Thorp Arch.
The players are professionals, but it can’t be overlooked that it has been an emotional transition, so it is positive that the new boss seems to be trying to make the process easier on them.
In other Leeds United news, the American has reportedly told the owner who he wants as his first signing.