Leeds United’s ‘American dream’ has become a nightmare.
Leeds United can declare that head coach Jesse Marsch has been relieved of his duties. Jesse joined the club in February 2022 and was vital in keeping the club in the Premier League on the final day of the previous season. We’d like to thank Jesse and his backroom staff for their efforts and wish them luck in the future. With Leeds in 18th place, only one point above the relegation zone, the Yorkshire club chose to break their one-year partnership with Jesse Marshe on Monday. Despite his best efforts, the American was not regarded capable of leading the club forward.
Now, two days after Marshe’s dismissal and following an outstanding 2-2 draw away to Manchester United on Wednesday night, the prevailing consensus is that the decision was correct. Leeds fans were growing frustrated of their team’s extended poor run of results, and there were symptoms of mutiny when fans could be heard singing “wanted Marshe out” during their most recent two away games. From a football standpoint, you can see why they were upset: the ‘whites’ won only four of their 20 games under the American this season, losing ten and surrendering a remarkable 34 goals. In percentage terms, that’s only a 20% win rate. Not excellent.
In the end, Marshe’s ‘American endeavor’ was quite unsatisfactory. The American arrived at Elland Road with a good reputation, having made the stunning transition from the MLS to Europe: he was widely regarded as an exciting and up-and-coming manager. Furthermore, Leeds director of football Victor Orta made it clear that he was a huge supporter of the former RB Leipzig and Salzburg coach and had been in constant communication with him for years before he was employed. The thrilling rollercoaster second half of 2021/2022, which saw the team avert relegation on the final day, added to the positive vibe at Elland Road at the start of this season. Additionally, they had an impressive summer transfer season, with about £80 million spent on rising stars such as Brenden Aaronson, Luis Sinisterra, Tyler Adams, and Marca Roca. Fans were especially enthused about the youthful prospects from the United States, who, along with Marshe, were anticipated to help Leeds achieve the ‘American dream’
Fast forward to January, and things were not looking so well, but despite the squad’s dismal performance, the Leeds board remained certain that Marsche was the right man to lead the team ahead. The loan signing of Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie, with a 30 million permanent deal expected in the summer, was proof of that. McKennie’s arrival drew more comparisons to Leeds and the USMNT, considering the team’s young, exciting, and most importantly brilliant “all-American” in the middle of midfield. In addition, the manager was given a new assistant, Chris Adamas, in an effort to improve things. But the terrible results kept coming, and despite the board’s recent backing, Marshe was eventually fired.
