Leeds United confirmed the arrival of Jesse Marsch on Monday – little under 48 hours after the Marcelo Bielsa’s exit. Mike Grella reacted to the news, as did Alan Maybury – both of whom have worked alongside him.
Marsch, 48, has joined Leeds on a contract until June 2025 – replacing Bielsa who has earned legendary status at Elland Road during the four years he has spent in the Leeds dugout. Bielsa leaves Leeds in a perilous position.
The ex-United States international joins Leeds with the club in 16th position – a point above 17th-placed Everton and two above Burnley. But both clubs have two games in hand over Leeds. The Whites have had a tricky run.
In their last three games, they have faced Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham – conceding 14 goals and losing three times. Marsch faces a slightly easier run, taking on Leicester away on Saturday lunchtime.
They then face Aston Villa and Norwich City at Elland Road, and then Wolves, Watford and Southampton. A crucial run of games, that will make of break Marsch and Leeds. Avoiding defeat on Saturday is a good start.
Grella, Maybury react: Leeds bring in Marsch as Bielsa replacement
Marsch is a highly-rated manager – despite his recent disappointing spell at RB Leipzig. That has been put down to the success of his predecessors in Julian Nagelsmann and Ralf Rangnick. The standard was high.
He sparkled at Salzburg, and is considered one of New York Red Bulls’ best-ever managers. Grella worked under Marsch – urging Leeds fans to get behind him. Ex-Whites defender Maybury also responded on Twitter.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
