Leeds United Hires Jesse Marsch as New Club’s Manager

Jesse Marsch with the New York Red Bulls in 2018.
Jesse Marsch with the New York Red Bulls in 2018. Photo by Tim Bouwer/Isi/REX/Shutterstock (9699797cf)

Former U.S. international Jesse Marsch has been unveiled as the new manager of Premier League’s Leeds United. Marsch will take over from Argentinian Marcelo Bielsa, who was sacked last week after a string of poor results.

Marsch, who had his last job with Bundesliga’s RB Leipzig, will be tasked with securing Premier League survival for Leeds. The club is currently 16th on the standings, being two points clear of the relegation with 12 games left to play.

“We have all the tools here,” Marsch after taking the job. “I’m here to help this group understand how we can get better and handling the moment right now, we have to stay calm and control what we can control. We are still in a good situation where we control all of our destiny.”

Despite all the circumstances, Leeds United’s decision to move on from Bielsa was surprising. He was the man who helped the club to reach the Premier League in 2020 and kept them there last season. However, after five losses in six games, Leeds’ brass believed they need a fresh approach if they want to remain in the top flight.  

Jesse Marsch spent his entire playing career in Major League Soccer and represented USMNT on two occasions. He had his first coaching job with USMNT, serving as an assistant on Bob Bradley’s staff, before embarking on successful spells with MLS clubs Montreal Impact and New York Red Bulls.

Marsch went overseas in 2019 to become a manager for the Red Bull Salzburg. He enjoyed an impressive stint in Austria, winning two consecutive domestic league titles and two cup trophies. This secured him a head coaching job at RB Leipzig, where he succeeded Bayern Munich-bound Julian Nagelsmann.

Unlike his other stops, Marsch struggled to find success with Leipzig. He spent only 21 games in charge, recording nine losses, before being relieved of his duties.

Harley loves music and tries to go to a music festival every summer. When he's not listening to music, he writes about movies, food and wine, art, and sport.