Jesse Marsch: survival in 2022, dismissal in 2023
Jesse Marsch managed Leeds United from February 2022 to February 2023. The American coach succeeded Marcelo Bielsa and guided Leeds to Premier League survival on the final day of the 2021–22 season, but a poor run the following campaign led to his dismissal.
Coaching background
A former Major League Soccer midfielder, Marsch coached Montreal Impact and New York Red Bulls before winning Austrian league and cup titles with Red Bull Salzburg. He also had a brief spell at RB Leipzig in Germany.
Taking over from Bielsa
Marsch was appointed on 28 February 2022 after Bielsa’s dismissal following a 4–0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur. He inherited a team battling relegation and dealing with significant injuries. Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha were still Leeds players when Marsch arrived; both departed in summer 2022, after the club had secured survival.
Leeds avoided relegation on the final day by beating Brentford 2–1 away, while Burnley lost to Newcastle United.
Marsch tried to implement his own style of play, which was based on high pressing, quick transitions, and narrow formations. However, he failed to get consistent results or performances from his team, and faced criticism from some fans and pundits for his tactics and communication. He also had to deal with injuries to important players such as Patrick Bamford, Stuart Dallas, and Adam Forshaw.
Departure in February 2023
Marsch was dismissed on Monday 6 February 2023, following a 1–0 defeat to Nottingham Forest. Leeds were 17th in the Premier League, outside the relegation places only on goal difference. They had won four of their first 20 league matches in 2022–23 and had not won a league game since early November.
His successor was eventually Javi Gracia. Although Marsch had delivered survival in 2022, Leeds failed to establish consistency during his first full season, and the club was relegated later in 2023.
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