Leeds United explain appointment of ex-RB Leipzig man Jesse Marsch as Marcelo Bielsa replacement - YEP 28/2/22
Leeds United have confirmed former RB Salzburg and RB Leipzig boss Jesse Marsch as Marcelo Bielsa's replacement at Elland Road.
By Graham Smyth
The 48-year-old American arrives a little over 24 hours
after Bielsa's sacking, with Leeds sitting 16th in the Premier League with 12
games remaining. Club owner Andrea Radrizzani said on Sunday he felt the time
to take action had come, due to the club's precarious position in the table and
their recent results.
Marsch has been out of work since his December sacking by
Leipzig, with whom he stayed for just five months and 14 Bundesliga fixtures.
He was already lined up as a potential successor to Bielsa
this summer, having been earmarked for the role last year in case Bielsa walked
away after the 2020/21 season, and the Whites have simply accelerated their
plans.
Terms were agreed quickly between the two parties, leaving
just the red tape of work permits to be finalised. Marsch has signed a deal at
Elland Road running until June 2025 and he has five days in which to prepare
for his first game in charge of the Whites - a trip to 13th placed Leicester
City who are four points clear of Leeds, albeit with three games in hand.
The YEP understands Cameron Toshack, son of former Real
Madrid and Wales boss John Toshack, will be Marsch's assistant. His full staff
is yet to be announced as the club are still arranging work permits.
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.
As the farewells of one Leeds United era continue, a new era is imminent.
— Leeds United News (@LeedsUnitedYEP) February 28, 2022
Chief football writer Graham Smyth gives his video verdict on the latest from Elland Road.https://t.co/oT2oFT7cRg#lufc
“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.”
CEO 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.”
