Stan Collymore: Jesse March did what Marcelo Bielsa wouldn’t to Leeds United players
Stan Collymore is blown away by what he’s seen so far from Jesse March at Leeds United and feels there could be an influx of American managers in the Premier League if he’s a success.
Marsch has managed to steer the Whites away from the relegation zone with back-to-back wins over Norwich and Wolves before the international break.
In the 3-2 win at Wolves, Leeds had to come from two goals down and Collymore feels that Marsch may have done something at half-time at Marcelo Bielsa didn’t do in his late days at Elland Road.
“Top marks to new Leeds boss Jesse Marsch for two successive wins before the international break,” said Collymore in the print edition of the Sunday People on 27 March [page 54].
“His players showed tremendous character to come back from 2-0 down at half-time against Wolves at Molineux last Friday, presumably after a roasting at the interval.
“I don’t imagine, if I’m being honest, that would have happened in the latter days of Marcelo Bielsa.
“I can easily see Leeds staying up now and it will be fantastic to see an American coach doing well in the Premier League.
“It’s an important time for Marsch because he could be a trailblazer for his compatriots if his style works.
“And don’t be surprised if in 10 years’ time, with perhaps one or two more American owners, we see several coaches from his background managing in the Premier League.”
Different styles
It’s no use comparing Marsch and Bielsa, really, especially when no one is privy to what is going on behind closed doors at half-time.
Yes, there’s a good chance that Marsch laid into his players when they were 2-0 down at Molineux.
But did that help the Whites win the game? Or was it the dodgy red card that Raul Jimenez picked up?
Even the most hardened of Leeds fan must admit that was a harsh sending off for the Wolves striker, who was shown a second yellow card for a coming together with Illan Meslier.
Wolves fell to bits after that and Leeds got the wind in their sails.
Marsch’s half-time hairdryer treatment – if that even happened – might have done the job but we feel as though the red card had the biggest impact upon that game.
In other Leeds United news, a club is in advanced talks to secure a massive signing from the Whites in the summer.