Marsch was contacted by the Ted Lasso producers
Jesse Marsch was invited to meet Ted Lasso, but rejected the chance because Leeds were in the middle of a Premier League relegation fight.
The 48-year-old – who previously suggested that the TV show would make it harder for him to reshape the reputation of American football – guided Leeds to top-flight survival after arriving at Elland Road with the club two points above the relegation zone.
He replaced Marcelo Bielsa in the hot-seat in March on a three-and-a-half-year deal, having previously coached at New York Red Bulls, RB Salzburg and RB Leipzig.
March has since revealed that shortly after arriving in England, he was contacted by the Ted Lasso producers. The show features an enthusiastic American coach who is attempting to motivate a struggling English side, despite initially knowing nothing about football.
Here’s another #MondayMotivation for y’all. And hey, no reason to stop on Monday, so feel free to keep it in the back pocket for Tuesday. And Wednesday. And Thursday. pic.twitter.com/ZnfcEfhn8h
— Ted Lasso (@TedLasso) September 21, 2020
“They were filming in London and they gave me an invitation but it was in the middle of the relegation fight,” Marsch told ESPN.
“But I’m a huge Jason Sudekis fan and so any time I could be on set or see what’s going on, that would be awesome.
“I haven’t [had time to watch it in the offseason]. I’ve heard it’s a really great show, I’ve heard it’s inspiring and a lot of people love it. I’ll have to find some time to watch it.
“It’s just about managing the way people speak about Americans in England and our sport. I think no one comes here if they’re afraid of what people might say.”
What has March said about Ted Lasso?
Speaking at his first press conference as Leeds boss, March, the only American coach in the Premier League, suggested that the show’s popularity could mean he wasn’t going to be taken as seriously by English fans.
“I think there’s probably a stigma. I’m not sure ‘Ted Lasso’ helped. I haven’t watched the show, but I get it,” Marsch said.
“People hate hearing the word soccer – I’ve used the word football since I was a professional football player.
“More and more in the States we’re adapting to what the game here is, and our connection to what this league is and what the sport is in this country.”
🗣 "That sounds like Ted Lasso from what I've heard." 🤣
Jesse Marsch jokes that Ted Lasso didn't help American managers like himself pic.twitter.com/ChTtAG4pgf
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) March 3, 2022
Marsch steered Leeds to Premier League survival season, and the Yorkshire outfit began their new campaign against Wolves on Saturday at Elland Road.
Related links:
- A number of Man United players call assistant manager ‘Ted Lasso’, according to report
- Premier League and Apple sign Ted Lasso licensing deal
- You don’t have to like football to get a kick out of Emmys big winner Ted Lasso
