A lot was expected from Leeds from a big name such as Bielsa, and the club saw massive positive changes in the beginning. They finished ninth in the first PL season after 16 years, but during 2021, things started falling apart. After four consecutive losses, Bielsa was fired.

It was a long time coming - the club was holding onto him for dear life just because of the big name. Odds on him being sacked were sky-high for a long time. Marketing Manager of PartyCasino and the upcoming PartySports said that a 'flurry of bets at our betting sites has almost told the tale' of Bielsa losing the Leeds reigns. The club was not willing to part with a legendary manager, but eventually, his methods lost the support of players.

It was time for a change, and Leeds' new Premier League era started fresh with the appointment of American coach Jesse Marsch.

From Bundesliga Success to the Premier League

How do you replace a legendary coach such as Marcelo Bielsa? That's the question Leeds management asked themselves. They thought a lot and decided to give the reigns to a largely unproven coach - Jesse Marsch. The American has had great success as an assistant to RB Leipzig coach Ralf Rangnick, and later as head coach to Red Bull Salzburg. He led the Austrian team to two consecutive appearances in the Champions League, good enough to secure him a deal as Leipzig's head coach.

The Bundesliga was a completely different challenge, and Leipzig and Marsch parted ways in less than a year. Coincidentally, he left the club just as Leeds was about to drop Bielsa, and it was a match Leeds' managing team saw as a great fit.

The 48-year old certainly lacks no quality as a coach. His successful spells in Team USA, RB Leipzig, and Red Bull Salzburg were no coincidence. However, he lacks experience on the big stage, and there's no bigger stage than the Premier League.

The Right Move?

It took Marsch three long games to secure Leeds' first win. It was a 2-1 win against Norwich City for a team that's still under the spell of Bielsa's coaching methods. Marsch claims that the players were overtrained during Bielsa's reign, and is trying to rip them away from his methods. He respects the Argentinian, but is trying to establish his own routine.

Judging him right away would be the wrong move. Marsch will have the unpleasant job of keeping Leeds safe from the relegation zone. They're clear for now, but with six matches still to go, everything could change.

And then Leeds begins anew. If the club gives the American what he needs and asks for, he could turn the ship around. Match by match, he's gaining the experience he needs. Give him time, and the American can prove doubters wrong. It was a painful break from Bielsa, but Marsch is the right, low-profile coach the club desperately needs right now.

back to top