USA legend Alexi Lalas is not concerned about the futures of Leeds United duo Brenden Aaronson and Tyler Adams, telling the State of the Union podcast that American internationals will not struggle to find another club if they are relegated from the Premier League.
The logic of sacking Jesse Marsch, after investing so much money in building a squad to his exact specifications, is certainly up for debate.
Aaronson and Adams arrived at Elland Road after working with the Wisconsin-born 49-year-old at Leipzig and Salzburg; graduates of the Red Bull finishing school. And, just last week, another USA international Weston McKennie joined on loan from Juventus to slot – like round peg in a round hole – into the heart Marsch’s hard-running midfield.
Marsch’s sudden but not-exactly-unexpected departure, then, leaves the long-and-short-term futures of Aaronson, Adams and McKennie rather uncertain.
Not that Lalas is too concerned. Aaronson and Adams, he says, have enough credit in the bank to ensure they would not be short of offers if Leeds fall into the dreaded bottom three.
Jesse Marsch helped bring three USA internationals to Leeds United
“Ultimately, when this all shakes out, maybe they end up falling upwards,” Lalas wonders.
“Ultimately, if they do go down, I think there will be a market for some of these players. Who knows, maybe they get into a better situation when they are not always facing the threat of relegation?”
Adams has been one of the Premier League’s most influential newcomers this term; a bouncing, belligerent bundle of energy and intensity. The stylish Aaronson made a positive impression too, even if his influence has waned since the Qatar World Cup.
Lalas, meanwhile, has some pity not only for McKennie but Chris Armas too. Just days after arriving as assistant head coach at Elland Road, Armas will take interim charge of Leeds away at bitter rivals Manchester Uniteed on Wednesday night.
“By the way, pour one out for Chris Armas, who came in as Jesse’s assistant a week ago and now here’s the situation,” Lalas adds. “Or Weston McKennie, who flew in (from Juventus). Now he’s going to have to deal with a whole new coach. Which isn’t the worst thing in the world.
“Whoever that new coach is, I think, is going to see the quality Weston can bring. But it’s going to now be a dogfight to keep themselves away from relegation.”
McKennie could make his full Premier League debut at Old Trafford. He will avoid the daunting task of going head-to-head with Casemiro too; Man United’s Brazilian enforcer absent through suspension.
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