Filling Marcelo Bielsa’s shoes was always going to be a big job, whoever replaced him but there were always questions around whether Jesse Marsch was really the man to take Leeds United forward, to that next level. Sure, there were successes at New York Red Bulls and Red Bull Salzburg, but the MLS and Austrian Bundesliga sit comfortably outside the best ten leagues in the world and his time at RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga wasn’t exactly marked with success.
When Marsch arrived at Elland Road, Leeds were without a win for six games, on a losing streak of four having been battered by Liverpool and Spurs, the fans desperately needed some hope. Whilst Marsch’s first game in change against Leicester ultimately ended in defeat, the performance was one of the best witnessed by the Leeds faithful for some time. There was a renewed confidence about the team. There was free flowing football and lightning-fast counterattack, if they continued to play like this surely Leeds would stay clear of the bottom three!
But everything positive from the Leicester game evaporated for the visit of Aston Villa who cruised past a clueless Leeds with little more than a wimper from the hosts. At times the football from Leeds was more reminiscent of an U9's game, with ten players chasing the ball around the pitch. Even with possession, bad decisions and wayward passing cost them, as an average Villa team were made to look like World beaters. The Norwich game became a must win.
With Leeds leading Norwich thanks to Rodrigo’s early goal, fans hearts were broken when Kenny McLean slotted home Teemu Pukki’s cross to silence Elland Road. Leeds United’s Premier League status was hanging by the barest of threads. But three minutes later Elland Road would erupt with joy as a long hopeful ball from defence was flicked on by Gelhardt towards Raphinha. The Brazilian beat his man, rounded the keeper, and cut the ball back for Joffey to blast the ball first time into the roof of the net. It would not be the first time Marsch was bailed out by a teenager.
Three wins and two draws in five would steer Leeds towards safety, only for three straight losses to put them bang in trouble again. Going into the final game of the season against Brentford it looked like Jesse Marsch would need to rewrite the Great Escape going into the final game of the season. They needed to better whatever Burnley were able to muster at home against Newcastle, and with one foot already lodged in the relegation trap door, their plight looked perilous. In the end Jack Harrison's effort from the edge of the area ensured the nightmare of the 21/22 campaign had a happy ending.
With Premier League safety secured, Marsch will always have that to his credit, it was time for him to stap his own personality on the side. In came Brenden Aaronson, Tyler Adams and Rasmus Kristensen. All former Marsch players, all well versed in the Red Bull style. The 22/23 season started well, victory against Wolves followed, a draw away to Southampton followed by a comprehensive victory over Chelsea. Part of Marsch’s philosophy is that you should celebrate moments and if there is any moment from Marsch’s tenure that I will remember and cherish it is that game.
It felt like the performance Leeds fans had been waiting for. Not just waiting for since Jesse Marsch took over the reins, but for nearly twenty years. It was December 2002 when James Milner’s goal secured Leeds United’s last win against a top four side in front of a crowd at Elland Road and you could feel it inside the ground. I don’t think Elland Road has felt that vociferous, that loud for a good few years. All 33,000 Leeds United were united in their passion for their team and their hatred of Chelsea.
But August was long time ago and Leeds fans would have to wait two months and nine games for another victory. The victories against Liverpool and Bournemouth (bailed out by a teenager once again) surely saved Marsch’s job heading into the World Cup break. Despite the victories, the systems still didn’t seem to be gelling, the games won in a whirlwind of chaos rather than by good management. Points thrown away against Spurs, who came from behind three times, was a frustrating way to head into the break. Leeds would have to improve come the new year.
A result against Manchester City was never likely and a point against an aspiring Newcastle reasonable but errors cost Leeds against West Ham, a game they should really have won. Villa likewise were poor, there for the taking but Leeds’ defensive frailties were exposed after just three minutes. A positive defensive performance against Brentford should have been the foundation to kick on but a poor performance against Forest ultimately cost Marsch his job. No win in 7 league games, nothing to celebrate since November, the writing was on the wall.
Whilst Marsch’s philosophy may have been clear; pressing, swarming, minimal width, he seemed to lack the ability to convey how to deliver that philosophy to his players. For all his talk of tactical clarity there appeared to be little clarity on the pitch as players went for the same balls, overhit passes or continually left opposition player unmarked on the end of the box. Yes, individual errors had a part to play in Leeds United’s failures but when the same errors happen every game it points to systemic issues, issues Marsch seemed clueless to deal with.
As I read back what I’ve just written it feels harsh. Have I judged Marsch’s tenure at Elland Road too harshly? He seems like a nice guy, and I wanted him to succeed, I really did. But if we are honest with ourselves he was never up to the task was he?
