Marsching on to success at Leeds United? The American’s journey to the Premier League
By Andrew Odiwe
Four games. Two wins. Two losses.
Yes. That may not be title-winning form. But it’s a foundation point for a team fighting relegation.
Leeds United have found themselves struck with the second season syndrome, following last year’s successful return to the top flight. And with their plight, it saw the inevitable departure of beloved manager Marcelo Bielsa.
His replacement is Jesse Marsch. And in case you didn’t know, he’s American. But his journey to West Yorkshire isn’t one you may think.
After finishing his playing career, which included three MLS titles and two caps for the United States, the Wisconsin native started at Montreal Impact. But it wasn’t until the next role that he started making waves. During his tenure with the New York Red Bulls, he won the Supporters’ Shield twice and eventually moved on to their sister club, RB Leipzig, as an assistant coach to Ralf Rangnick.
Following a year under the German, Marsch returned to managerial duties. This time at RB Salzburg. Where he won the double in both of his campaigns in Austria.
This last year has proven difficult for the American, as he returned to Leipzig as the manager but was sacked after just four months at the helm.
And now, he finds himself at Elland Road. So what can the Leeds faithful expect?
Heavy metal football with an American riff
Like Thomas Tuchel, Jurgen Klopp, and Ralph Hasenhuttl, Marsch has been greatly influenced by Ralf Rangnick – Manchester United’s interim manager.
He said of him, as quoted by the Manchester Evening News: “Ralf Rangnick is a genius in terms of the way he thinks about the game.”
The 2015 MLS Coach of the Year added: “The first time I met him, he really opened my eyes as to how detailed you can be about this game. I have used that to empower my teams to be a version of what I think our philosophy should be.”
The American has big shoes to fill. His high energy style of play is somewhat akin to Bielsa’s but without the gung-ho approach and zonal marking.
Friday’s victory against European-chasing Wolves has already shown that Marsch’s influence is rubbing off.
They’re not clear from the relegation battle yet. But with the fight, grit and spirit of the players. Not to mention a new style of play that has been successful at other clubs. The future looks bright for the Whites.
In other Leeds United news, a Sky Sports journalist has shared what Marsch told him about his newly-inherited squad at Elland Road.