Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch tells America what he loves about the people of Leeds
Leeds United manager has raved about how he relates to the “fantastic” people of the city, who he says “have a chip on their shoulder” like him.
The American has already built up a decent relationship with fans of the club, despite replacing the fans’ most loved manager in recent memory, Marcelo Bielsa.
Two dramatic wins have seen the fortunes of his side change in recent weeks, as they are now seven points from the relegation zone, and the new boss is feeling right at home in Yorkshire.
Marsch told SiriusXM, via BBC West Yorkshire: “In Leeds, the people here are fantastic. They are humble, they are hardworking, they are friendly, they are kind.
“And they have a chip on their shoulder, they do. Also with the club.
“And this is me. I have a chip on my shoulder, right? I like it a lot better when people are talking poorly about me than when they are talking kindly.”
One of their own
There was significant trepidation when the man who transformed the Whites’ recent fortunes was removed.
The bond that Bielsa had forged with the people in the city was almost as important as the work he had done with the team.
But new boss Marsch is saying all the right things, and over the last two games is also delivering the goods in terms of points.
Identifying with the people of Leeds while providing exciting wins on the pitch will quickly cement his place at Elland Road.
During the interview the 48-year-old had hit out at the “idiocy” of people criticising his accent as a American in English football.
But if people talking poorly about him gets him more comfortable as he says, then let it continue.
United fans will only grow more protective of their boss as he continues to prove he is one of their own.
And if the rejuvenation that claimed back-to-back injury time wins continues, he will have delivered the biggest gift he can in the form of Premier League safety.
In other Leeds United news, The Yorkshire Evening Post disputes whether Raphinha has a buy-out clause in his contract.