Leeds have confirmed the appointment of former RB Leipzig manager Jesse Marsch as their new head coach.
The deal which is subject to international clearance, will see him take charge of the club until June 2025.
The American is appointed after the sacking of Marcelo Bielsa on Sunday after a poor run of results.
Marsch whose foray into management started with MLS side Montreal Impact in August 2011, has since garnered experience by coaching some clubs in Europe where he has achieved success.
After his move from the MLS, he served as Ralf Rangnick’s assistant at Leipzig before being appointed by RB Salzburg in 2019. Marsch went on to win the league double in his first season and replicated the feat in the following season.
By so doing, he guided RB Salzburg to successive Champions League group stage appearances for the first time in the club’s history.
The 48-year-old was given the opportunity to return to Leipzig as head coach in the summer of 2021 after the departure of Julian Nagelsmann to Bayern.
However, Marsch failed to live up to expectations at Leipzig and was sacked after five months in charge of the Bundesliga club.
First comments by Jesse Marsch after being appointed Leeds head coach
Speaking on his appointment as Leeds head coach, Marsch revealed his excitement at being given the opportunity to guide the club.
“It’s something I’m really excited about,” Marsch said. “I know what a big club Leeds is, I know ex-players who have played here and I’ve watched this club from afar for many years and I’m really honoured and excited to be here.
“How [Bielsa] has helped transform Leeds United into a Premier League team is pretty amazing.
“For me, I just want to help take the torch to the next phase. Everything that has been done has laid an incredible foundation and, coming in at this moment, I want to do everything I can to take the club into the next stage of our history.”
Why was Jesse Marsch appointed Leeds head coach?
Leeds’ director of football, Victor Orta has revealed the reason why Marsch was appointed as head coach to succeed Bielsa.
He stated that the American has been a long-term target for the club as his philosophy and style of play aligns with that of the club.
“We are delighted to welcome Jesse to the club and excited for him to lead us into this new chapter,” Orta said.
“Jesse is someone we identified a number of years ago during his time at Red Bull Salzburg and we believe his philosophy and style of football aligns with that of the club and will suit the players very well.
“We have a long-term plan and firmly believe he can take Leeds United to the next level and are excited for what the future holds.”
Marsch will be hoping for a good start to life at Leeds when his side take on the Foxes at the King Power stadium on March 5.
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