Leeds have launched a search for their 13th head coach in less than a decade after parting ways with Jesse Marsch following disappointing results.
The release of the American Marsch from his duties on Monday evening, 24 hours on from a 1-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest led to a disgruntled fan called to his head.
A statement on Leeds’ official website said: “Leeds United can confirm that head coach Jesse Marsch has been relieved of his duties.
“Jesse joined the club in February 2022 and was instrumental in keeping the club in the Premier League on the final day of last season.
“René Maric, Cameron Toshack and Pierre Barrieu will also leave the club. We would like to thank Jesse and his backroom team for their efforts and wish them all the best for the future.
“The process to appoint a new head coach is underway and we will continue to keep supporters informed over the coming days.”
Marsch’s departure comes as the club sit 17th in the Premier League table, just clear of the relegation zone on goal difference, and have picked up just three points from the last 21 they’ve contested – with two games against fierce rivals Manchester United to come. this week.
The former RB Leipzig boss was drafted in as Marcelo Bielsa’s replacement in February last year as Leeds hoped he could pick up the baton from the Argentine.
Speaking at the time, he knew he had big shoes to fill amid unfavorable reactions, but urged supporters to give him a chance.
He told LUTV: “I have a lot to prove to our fans that I am the right man to follow a hero like Marcelo Bielsa.
“But I think the key is when they see the team play and they play with passion, heart and they show that they are smart and clear with the style of play and they are aggressive, then the fans with the coach even. they don’t like his speech or if he is not as popular as the previous coach.”
Football director Victor Orta was confident that Marsch would win beyond his doubts.
He told the club’s official website: “We have a long-term plan and we strongly believe he can take Leeds United to the next level and we’re excited about what the future holds.”
Marsch took the reins with the club in 16th place and two points clear of the bottom three and eventually guided them to 17th place on the final day of the season.
However, he was never able to overcome the problems that plagued the final days of Bielsa’s tenure with injuries – chief man Patrick Bamford’s bid for fitness and form in particular – and recruitment hampering his efforts to build on that escape.
In addition, his tactical approach, which sought to create chaos for the opponents, was only occasionally successful.
While Marsch’s departure will be met with widespread approval among fans, some were of the opinion that he would be given a little more time to turn things around.
Leeds appointed Chris Armas as Marsch’s assistant at the end of last month, the pair reunited after spending years together at the New York Red Bulls.
With new signings Georginio Rutter, Max Wober and Weston McKennie all matching Marsch’s approval, the American seemed to have the backing of the board for now.
Bielsa, who was touted as Frank Lampard’s replacement at Everton before the appointment of Sean Dyche, was involved in returning to the club amid his successor’s struggles, perhaps more romantically than realistically.
What is clear is that chairman Andrea Radrizzani must find the right man quickly if Leeds are to avoid being dragged into another relegation zone to survive.