Jesse Marsch bounces back from Leeds Utd sack with immediate return to Premier League management possible
Less than a week after Leeds United sacked him, Jesse Marsch is being linked with an immediate return to Premier League management.
Marsch lost his job with Leeds on February 6 after seven Premier League games without a win. Only goal difference was keeping them out of the relegation zone at the time. Therefore, his time in charge of Leeds lasted less than 12 whole months.
The American tactician will be reflecting on where it went wrong in West Yorkshire. But it might not be too long before he is back in work.
There have already been suggestions that Marsch could take over the USA national team, for example. However, developments on Sunday have suggested he could remain in the Premier League.
Leeds are still searching for a permanent successor to Marsch, which has been a complex process so far. But they are not the only club in need of a new manager. Indeed, Southampton sacked Nathan Jones on Sunday after an even shorter managerial spell than Marsch’s.
According to various sources, including The Athletic, talkSPORT and the Independent, Marsch is under consideration by Southampton as a potential replacement for Jones.
Southampton’s admiration of Marsch was hinted at back in October, when Jones’ predecessor Ralph Hasenhuttl was about to lose his job.
Obviously, Leeds still had Marsch under contract at the time, so Southampton’s interest never developed into anything too formal. Instead, they prised Jones away from Luton Town. But now Marsch is available, they could try to appoint him.
Marsch has remained in England since being removed from his position by Leeds. Perhaps Southampton could be speaking to him soon about giving him a reason to stay in the country for good.
Southampton believe Marsch’s principles align with their own. Like Hasenhuttl, he has history with RB Leipzig – and in his case, even more clubs in the same network – whose style appeals to the side from the South Coast.
Jesse Marsch could cross Leeds path again soon
Therefore, after guiding Leeds to safety last season but putting them at risk again this term, Marsch could soon be involved in their relegation battle once more. This time, it would be as a rival. With that in mind, he may well have a point to prove.
The 49-year-old only won 11 of his 37 matches in charge of Leeds. Meanwhile, Jones left Southampton with five wins from 14 games, but only one victory from eight league fixtures.
Consequently, Southampton are bottom of the table and four points behind Leeds after 22 games. After adding to their squad in January, they now need fresh ideas at the top to avoid relegation to the Championship.
For the time being, first-team coach Ruben Selles will be overseeing training and preparations for their next match, against Chelsea on February 18.
Even more intriguingly, Southampton’s following fixture is due to be against none other than Marsch’s former side. Indeed, Southampton will visit Leeds one week after.
According to talkSPORT, Southampton also like Marcelo Gallardo, who has been linked with the Leeds vacancy. But there seems to be plenty of verification of their interest in Marsch, who would be an intriguing appointment.