German legend Stefan Effenberg has sent a warning to Leeds over new manager Jesse Marsch – in a verdict on his time at RB Leipzig. Speaking to SportBuzzer, Effenberg said it had gone “really badly” under Marsch.
Marsch, 48, has been drafted in at Elland Road to replace Marcelo Bielsa in the dugout at Leeds United. It comes after the Leeds hierarchy chose to end the Argentine’s spell at Leeds – which lasted nearly four years.
Bielsa was regarded as one of the best three managers in the club’s history during his reign – returning Leeds to the Premier League without spending much cash. But Leeds are perilously close to relegation, and Bielsa has gone.
Now, Marsch has been tasked with saving Leeds and keeping them in the top tier over the next 12 games. Three-time Bundesliga champion, and Champions League winner Effenberg gave his verdict on Marsch.
He discussed the new Leeds gaffer’s time at Leipzig and explained that it was too gung-ho, without any care for the defensive side of the game. He rated that his spell had gone “badly”, which will be a worry for Leeds fans.
“The balance wasn’t right, they played forward no matter what, without taking into account the strengths of their own staff, the score or the opponent’s style of play. Chasing the ball is a good tool,” Effenberg said.
“But not the only one that a top team needs in a wide range of requirements and situations. In November and December I thought that things could go really badly for Leipzig and that the stars might sell out in the summer.”
Effenberg on Marsch: Should Leeds be worried by American’s arrival?
The concern is born out of the club’s position in the league – but his Leipzig form will also worry fans. That is, even though he was sensational as Salzburg gaffer – and during the three years he spent at New York Red Bulls.
What Leeds fans will be most-concerned by is that Marsch seems to show little difference between himself and Bielsa. The main differences seem to be that he will play zonally, not as stubbornly man to man as Bielsa was.
The press will be slightly different, the formation could be slightly different. But to bring in a man without Premier League experience to save Leeds in the next 12 games is a risk. Time will tell, if Marsch can save the Whites.
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