Leeds United
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Jesse Marsch answers questions on Leeds Utd sack talk as boss reveals what must happen next
Jesse Marsch concedes there is “pressure” on his future as Leeds United manager right now in the wake of a poor run of results at Elland Road.
The Whites currently sit 14th in the Premier League, but just two points clear from the bottom of a congested Premier League table. The American is now almost 11 months into his role as Leeds boss, following his appointment in February 2022.
And while he succeeded in his initial mission statement of helping Leeds avoid relegation, progress this season has been slow.
Indeed, Leeds have won just four times in the Premier League this season from their 18 matches. And that miserable run includes no wins from their last seven games.
Leeds, though, have shown a willingness to back Marsch and invest in their squad this month with two new players arriving. And one of those – Georginio Rutter – has set the Whites back a new club-record fee. You can find out exactly what the player is all about and what he will bring to Leeds here.
And it seems the club are not yet done on the transfer front just yet, either.
To that end, reports over the past few days are claiming Leeds are the highest bidders for Morocco midfielder Azzedine Ounahi.
That said, the Daily Mail on Tuesday claims Leeds have opted to put a freeze on any potential deal. That report claims Leeds want to first take stock of their squad, as well as take the time to assess Marsch’s future at the club.
Jesse Marsch under pressure at Leeds Utd
With many reading between the lines and suggest Marsch is skating on thin ice at Leeds, trusted reporter Phil Hay wrote after Friday’s loss at Aston Villa that luck and time may be running out for the American.
As such, Leeds face a huge run of games that could determine his future. They face Cardiff in an FA Cup third-round replay on Wednesday night. Failure to beat the Championship strugglers at the second time of asking would not reflect well on Marsch. Furthermore, the club have made it clear that they would like a FA Cup run this season.
Leeds then face a Premier League date at home to Brentford on Sunday. Failure to get positive results in both matches may well have a big impact on his future.
Facing up to claims his job could be in jeopardy, Marsch accepts now is the time to deliver good results.
Yes. I accept the pressures of what’s happening in my role right now,” he said on Tuesday. “I am doing everything I can [to prosper] and we are. We believe in this project. It is clear with the transfers we make.
“To me, that has shown unity. Yes, I am disappointed with the fact we have not developed faster and better. I have to keep finding ways to push buttons.”
Reflecting on the disappointment of losing at Villa, despite widely being regarded as the better side, Marsch had his say.
“I feel like this was a massive step in the right direction and I am more energised and stronger in my belief than ever before.”
Asked about the importance of beating the Bluebirds, he added: “We need conviction, a win. I hate being results based, but that’s where we are.
Marsch seeking Leeds upturn
Marsch knows Leeds to perform better when taking leads in matches. He also wants his side to defend better when put under pressure. And he thinks those two aspects combined can have a big bearing on an upturn in results.
“We are the fifth-best team in the league when it’s 0-0. We’re the best in the league when we’re down [losing] and the worst when we’re up [winning]. Get the lead more and then sustain the lead or expand on the lead [is what we need to do].
Turning his attention towards his defence and amid claims they must improve, Marsch added: “Definitely. Max [Wober] will help. We have conceded zero with him on the field.
“The more we can defend, we know we can score. Scoring is the hardest thing to do [in theory], but for us, managing the opponent from scoring [is harder]. The more leads we can have, the more clean sheets….”