Adam Pope has told BBC Sports podcast Don’t Go To Bed Just Yet that Leeds lack a plan B when it comes to manager Jesse Marsch, and that is why the American gaffer will remain in his position in the dugout – despite the club’s form.
Our manager is widely expected to be the next name on the managerial firing list, with Liverpool at Anfield next up. Leeds have gone two months without a Premier League win, stretching to eight games. Just two points, in that time.
It is a stark contrast to the start Marsch made. Keeping Leeds up, making some exciting signings and then earning seven points from our first three league games. It should really have been nine, if we held on to a win at Southampton.
Speaking this week, BBC Radio Leeds reporter Pope gave his thoughts. He feels that Leeds have thrown all their eggs into one basket with Marsch. Their background, their research into appointing Marsch means they have faith in him.
Ripping that up and going for someone else would mean starting from scratch. So, Pope claims there is no plan B and that is currently giving the gaffer a stay of execution. How long that lasts, remains to be seen, ahead of Saturday.
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Pope: Leeds lack plan B when it comes to manager Marsch
“How do spin it to make it sound like it’s the right decision to go and do that [sack Marsch], when you’ve clearly gone against everything that you’ve spent a lot of time on? Leeds haven’t chosen Jesse Marsch on a whim, they just haven’t.
“If they were to get rid of him, how do you then go, ‘Well, we’ve been looking at the next guy for a couple of years, and that’s the way forward’? That’s why right now there isn’t a Plan B I don’t think, and he stays in his position,” Pope said.
It is widely known that Marsch has been on Victor Orta’s radar for some time. It was always going to be that when Bielsa finally decided to leave, or was sacked, that Leeds would turn to the ex-Leipzig boss as the next manager.
But it is not going well. How long can Leeds pursue Marsch, before fan frustration eventually spills into the board room? A loss at Liverpool is more than likely, but a heavy defeat – something above three goals – might do it.
However, defeat to Jurgen Klopp’s side is always likely, even with the best manager in position. The crucial game could be the clash against Bournemouth, a side touted for relegation. If Leeds lose to the Cherries, surely Marsch is gone.
