Former Premier League owner Simon Jordan believes Jesse Marsch would be the ‘best of a bad lot’ with the recently departed Leeds United coach in contention to take over at Southampton, speaking to talkSPORT (13 February, 10.30am).
There is, perhaps, a semblance of ‘method’ to an appointment some would label ‘madness’.
Marsch, lest we forget, helped save a seemingly-doomed Leeds side from relegation less than 12 months ago; instilling spirit, discipline and organisation into a side who’s confidence had hit rock bottom under Marcelo Bielsa.
Say what you want about Marsch’s Leeds, the sort of lopsided hammerings that became all-too frequent under Bielsa were few and far between. The American’s eternal positivity may be a welcome change, too, from Nathan Jones’ wide-eyed ramblings.
What‘s more, Marsch’s high-pressing, aggressive style of play should suit a Southampton side constructed by Ralph Hasenhuttl.
“Maybe he’s the right person for that environment given the damage Nathan Jones may have done, in terms of undermining the fragility of his players,” Jordan muses.
Will former Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch take over Southampton?
On the other hand, hiring a coach still smarting from being handed his P45 by a direct relegation rival – following a run of two wins in 17 – hardly screams ‘ambition’. Then again, given Southampton’s current predicament, the Saints are hardly negotiating from a position of strength.
As Leeds themselves are discovering, convincing a coach to sign up for a relegation battle is no easy task.
“I don’t like that appointment,” adds Jordan, who spent a decade as the chairman of Crystal Palace.
“I don’t think it’s a great one for Southampton. But I also feel there is a situation where these clubs are struggling to get a manager in the door. It becomes the best of a bad bunch.
“These are Premier League clubs looking at the trap door of the Championship. Where (managerial candidates) are not looking at them with the same feeling as people in this country maybe think they should.
“I don’t think it’s a case of these clubs aren’t trying to get the managers they want. I’d be gobsmacked if Jesse Marsch was top of Southampton’s list. (But) he may be top of their list in terms of one they can get done.”
Leeds were rebuffed by both Andoni Iraola and Arne Slot before Sunday’s 2-0 home defeat to bitter rivals Manchester United. The Whites are now casting their net a little wider; Alfred Schreuder available immediately following his recent sacking from Ajax.
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