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Football

28th Feb 2022

Leeds United appoint Jesse Marsch as manager following Marcelo Bielsa sacking

Daniel Brown

Marsh has signed a deal at Elland Road running until June 2025

Leeds United have confirmed the appointment of Jesse Marsch as the club’s new manager following the sacking of Marcelo Bielsa at the weekend.

Bielsa was dismissed as Leeds boss after a poor run of form raised fears of relegation from the Premier League. The Argentine was hugely popular amongst Leeds supporters having led the club to the top flight after a 16-year absence.

The club have moved quickly to appoint former RB Leipzig boss Marsch as their new manager, with Leeds’ hierarchy identifying the American as the number one target to become Bielsa’s successor.

Marsch left his position at Leipzig in December 2o21 after just 21 matches in charge of the Bundesliga side.

The 48-year-old, who was a replacement for Julian Nagelsmann – who had left for Bayern Munich – was unable to make the necessary impact in Germany.

However, prior to his role at the Red Bull Arena, he two titles in Austria with Red Bull Salzburg.

Marsch has also been the assistant coach to current Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick, as well as acting as the assistant manager to Bob Bradley with United States at the World Cup in 2010, where they reached the last-16.

Speaking about the appointment, Leeds United Director of Football Victor Orta said: “We are delighted to welcome Jesse to the club and excited for him to lead us into this new chapter.

“Jesse is someone we identified a number of years ago during his time at Red Bull Salzburg and we believe his philosophy and style of football aligns with that of the club and will suit the players very well.

“We have a long-term plan and firmly believe he can take Leeds United to the next level and are excited for what the future holds.”

Chief Executive Angus Kinnear added: “We are really pleased to have quickly secured the services of our first-choice head coach.

“Whilst the short-term objective for Jesse is obvious, we believe he has the courage and ambition to build on the strong foundations we have created over the last four years and elevate the performance of the club over the long-term.  He had a great deal of success with New York Red Bulls and Red Bull Salzburg and has demonstrated during our many meetings that he is a great fit with the footballing culture of Leeds United.

“At this challenging time, it is important that the club remains united from top to bottom. The fans have been amazing throughout Andrea’s tenure and we have no doubt they will unite behind Jesse and ensure the team quickly returns to winning with style.”

Leeds have conceded 21 goals in their last six games and fell to a 4-0 defeat at home to Tottenham on Saturday, after being thrashed 6-0 in midweek away at Liverpool.

Marsch will have to improve a Leeds defence with a goal difference of -30 – having conceded 60 goals in 26 games, five more than bottom side Norwich.

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