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Leeds United have fired manager Jesse Marsch following a disastrous first half of the season, per club statement.
#LUFC can confirm head coach Jesse Marsch has been relieved of his duties
— Leeds United (@LUFC) February 6, 2023
Leeds have also confirmed that managerial assistants Rene Maric, Cameron Toshack and Pierre Barrieu will also depart with Marsch.
Marsch joined the club in February 2022 following previous manager Marcelo Bielsa’s firing. Bielsa had Leeds in the relegation zone, and Marsch was able to save the club. The American’s late-season revolution set up massive expectations for this season.
He’s had no such luck this season, with the club sitting 17th in the Premier League. The Elland Road club is one place out of the relegation zone, only ahead of Everton on goal differential.
“Leeds United can confirm head coach Jesse Marsch has been relieved of his duties. Marsch joined the club in February 2022 and was instrumental in keeping the club in the Premier League on the final day of last season,” said the club.
“We would like to thank Jesse and his backroom staff for their efforts and wish them well for the future. The process of appointing a new head coach is underway and we will continue to keep supporters up to date throughout the coming days.”
Marsch has become a sort of cult hero among American soccer fans, with many considering the manager the real-life Ted Lasso. He led the Major Leeds Soccer movement, bringing in American players Tyler Adams, Brenden Aaronson, and most recently, Weston McKennie. American viewership of Leeds United grew exponentially during the coach’s tenure, giving viewers in the United States a common Premier League rooting interest.
Marsch is a popular name in the USMNT’s coaching search. The national team lacks a head coach following former manager Gregg Berhalter’s domestic violence investigation.
