The decision to sack Marcelo Bielsa, and then replace him with Jesse Marsch is a hugely brave one by the Leeds United hierarchy. The backlash from fans has been aplenty – but Marsch has started well.
Bielsa, 66, left after one point from a possible 15 – conceding 20 goals in that time. Andrea Radrizzani and co. felt a change was needed and Marsch has come in. A manager that Victor Orta has tracked for the last two years.
With the majority of fans unhappy, Marsch’s first task after signing a deal until 2025 was to appease the upset fanbase – in his first interviews. Clips emerged on the Leeds Twitter of Marsch, speaking for the first time.
He had a choice. Would he look to start afresh and imprint his own ideas in a new era? Or would he pay tribute to Bielsa, the work he has done and tell fans that he is simply looking to build on the Argentine’s brilliant spell?
Marsch overcomes first obstacle after replacing Bielsa at Leeds
Not only has he stepped over that obstacle, but he has absolutely done so with flying colours. He was massively complimentary to Bielsa, saying his “respect and admiration for Bielsa is massive.” That has gone down well.
Leeds fans loved Bielsa’s style of play – and simply stating he is looking to build on that has also ticked the box. Marsch also understood the concerns of fans, and that it would take time to prove himself as Bielsa’s replacement.
“I have a lot to prove to our fans that I’m the right guy to follow such a hero like Marcelo Bielsa. If the team plays with passion heart, everything they have, the fans will tolerate the coach – even if they don’t like his accent.”
In that quote, Marsch sums it up with perfection. He knows he has a lot to do to help Leeds fans move on from Bielsa – and even shows some humour. But he hits the nail on the head, when it comes to replacing such an icon.
Humble, committed, determined, but warm and likeable, Marsch has made a brilliant start to life as Leeds manager – overcoming the banana skin of his first interview with a volatile, upset fanbase. Pass marks for Marsch, so far.
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