Leeds United might have a fan in Christian Pulisic next season because the Chelsea forward is hoping their ‘big time’ manager Jesse Marsch produces the goods for the club, as he told ESPN.
The USA international is rooting on his fellow countryman in Yorkshire ahead of the new Premier League season and shared that their success in the colours of Leeds would do ‘wonders’ for America.
When Leeds sacked Marcelo Bielsa last season, they knocked on Marsch’s door and brought in the former RB Leipzig coach to help them survive – and they did on the last day of the season at Brentford.
And now, with the summer transfer window wide open, Marsch has been quick to bulk up his squad and he has added two American internationals in Brenden Aaronson and Tyler Adams.
This time last season, Pulisic was the only American playing in England’s top-flight, now those numbers have doubled, as the £58 million Chelsea wide man (Sky Sports) sent this message regarding his countryman at Leeds.
“I don’t read too much that goes on in the press over in England (on Marsch being compared to Ted Lasso),” said Pulisic.
“I am just proud to see Americans doing what they are doing over in the Premier League now. We have a ton of guys going across to Europe.
“Now, a big-time manager in a big job in Leeds. I think just having them stay up last season was a good accomplishment and I was really happy to see.
“Now, with Brendan (Aaronson) and Tyler (Adams), I just think if they put on a good season, then it does wonders for us as a country. Seeing an American coach and American players succeeding in the Premier League would be massive.”
WHERE WILL LEEDS FINISH?
The issue facing Leeds, not just their new signings, but those already at the club, is the recent departures of their star duo – Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips.
It would have been interesting to see how someone as light-footed, quick and forward-thinking as Aaronson would have faired with Phillips’ hard-hitting defensive talents behind him in the middle of the park.
That’s not going to be on show now, but a lot of emphasis is on the new boys to hit the ground running and the current players to try and push the club forward.
The early aim for the Whites has to be to stay well clear of the danger zone, if they can create that cushion, then they can think of battling for those top ten spots.
But, in the meantime, it’s about staying away from early trouble, not conceding a high volume of goals like they have done for the past two seasons and showing signs of progression under Marsch.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
