Should Leeds be worried as Southampton reportedly add Jesse Marsch to shortlist?

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Reports from The Times on Friday claim that Southampton have added Jesse Marsch to their shortlist to potentially replace Ralph Hasenhuttl – but should Leeds United be worried that we could lose out American gaffer?

Marsch, 48, has now been in charge for 20 matches in all competitions for Leeds. He has made an excellent start – despite having to fill the very large boots of Marcelo Bielsa. His first task, keep Leeds in the Premier League. Tick.

His second job, thicken the Leeds squad with some quality summer signings. Luis Sinisterra, Rasmus Kristensen, Marc Roca, Tyler Adams, Brenden Aaronson, Willy Gnonto, Sonny Perkins, Darko Gyabi, Joel Robles. Tick.

Turn Leeds into a mid-table side? Well, that one is still under scrutiny, but after nine points from seven games – it is a solid start. Such is his impressive start at Leeds, Southampton are showing interest. Hasenhuttl is under pressure.

Southampton have added Leeds gaffer Marsch to shortlist

In contractual terms, Leeds have nothing to be worried about unless Southampton agree a sizeable compensation fee. Marsch signed a contract until June 2025, so, with three years to go, Leeds are in a comfortable position.

Southampton’s interest is fair enough. Hasenhuttl and Marsch share Leipzig on their CV. He is renowned for his attacking style of football, a high press, progressing younger players. It is understandable why the Saints are keen.

But Marsch strikes as the type of manager that is in it for the long haul. He likes a project. Marsch is not an Antonio Conte-type manager, where he will leave at the drop of the hat if progression is not being made.

Last week, Marsch said he would not take any job in the world right now – underlining how much he loves it at Leeds. We are a bigger club, a one-club City in the third-biggest City in England. The project is only just starting.

Leeds are happy with Marsch, Marsch is happy with Leeds, and he will have more cash to spend at Elland Road. So, to summarise, Marsch will not want to go, he is contracted nicely at Elland Road. It would be a backwards step.