Jesse Marsch’s biggest problem at Leeds is one he can never solve – he is not Marcelo Bielsa - iNews 22/10/22

Leeds fans turned on their manager and players after the Leicester defeat, and Marsch’s disappearing act could soon become permanent

By Ross Heppenstall

Football fans can be brutal and vindictive, but seldom can they be deceived.

As Leeds United supporters turned on Jesse Marsch following Thursday’s dismal 2-0 defeat at Leicester, their antipathy was both visible and audible.

“Where the f__k is Jesse Marsch?” they chanted after what felt a hugely significant step closer towards the end for the American head coach.

Marsch was nowhere to be seen, having taken the decision to avert a confrontation with the angry Yorkshire masses. He at least had the decency to apologise for his disappearing act, but the damage had been done. Many Leeds supporters are simply not having Marsch and never have done since he replaced the much-loved Marcelo Bielsa in February.

When a fanbase as fierce and vocal as Leeds United’s turns to such an extent as they did at the King Power Stadium, there is usually no way back. As Marsch’s players went to clap the visiting contingent at the final whistle, they were not spared the visiting wrath either.

“What the f__king hell was that?” they cried in unison, disgusted by a listless display which extended Leeds’ winless run to seven games. You have to go back to August for when Marsch’s team last won.

“Everybody’s pissed off and we all feel like we’re letting each other down in little ways,” said the 48-year-old afterwards.

“I’m probably as frustrated, disappointed and angry as I have ever been in football.”

Perhaps one of Marsch’s biggest problems since he arrived in West Yorkshire has been that he is not Bielsa.

Those 16 painful years locked out of the Premier League left deep scars on Leeds fans. But then along came an enigmatic Argentinian with an alchemist’s touch. He immediately breathed life into a football club and a city, guiding Leeds to promotion as champions in his second season and a ninth-placed finish in the top flight the following year.

Murals of Bielsa began to adorn the walls of buildings before it ended in tears when a thin squad began to wobble alarmingly.

A 4-0 home defeat to Tottenham saw Bielsa sacked and Marsch who Leeds – part-owned by San Francisco 49ers Enterprises – had lined up to take over in the summer, came into position immediately.

It was fraught, but Marsch kept Leeds up against the odds with a dramatic final-day win at Brentford. He deserves much credit for that, and for his endless positivity and willingness to front up to the media.

With Bielsa’s departure, though, went the magic and the free-flowing football.

Marsch’s narrow tactics have not always been easy on the eye and Leeds are lacking any real identity right now.

After prized assets Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha jumped ship in the summer, Leeds brought in Tyler Adams, Brenden Aaronson, Marc Roca, Luis Sinisterra and Rasmus Kristensen.

All have showed varying signs of promise, but an encouraging start to the season has given way to defensive lapses. Goals, confidence, and points are proving hard to come by.

“It’s too soon to say we’re in a relegation scrap, but when you look at the table we keep slipping because we’re not getting results and it’s painful,” admitted Marsch.

Sunday’s home clash with Fulham has taken on monumental importance for Marsch, who is confident the club’s board will not swing the axe.

The result on the pitch – and subsequent reaction in the stands – may dictate otherwise.

During the Leicester defeat, visiting fans sang Bielsa’s name.

“I think it does impact the players,” said Marsch of the chants. “If it’s fair or not, it doesn’t really matter, they can express their opinion however they want.

“But I would hope that they’ve seen there has been a lot of work done and we worked really hard as a group to save our season last year and we’re going to do the same again.”

Marsch urged Leeds followers to back the team, saying: “Listen, I love Elland Road. I love our fans and we need them right now.

“We need to be unified. They helped us last year in tough moments and we need to use the pressure in a way to motivate us.

“I know the players will be ready to run and fight and do whatever it takes.”