Jesse Marsch has spoken about Marcelo Bielsa for the first time since his Leeds United sacking with the American outlining the differences – underestimating the enormity of following Bielsa at Leeds.
Marsch replaced Bielsa back in February 2022 but only lasted 12 months, with many calling for his head a whole lot earlier. His tactics, signings and strange press conferences were criticised during his stint.
It comes after Bielsa earned iconic status as Leeds manager, taking the Whites from mid-table obscurity in the Championship, to ninth in the Premier League in the space of three years. Bielsa remains iconic.
Whereas Marsch is still out of work following his Leeds exit despite links with Southampton, Leicester and the USA job. Marsch has not spoken much on his time at Leeds since leaving, but that has changed.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live’s Euro Leagues, Marsch said that he “underestimated” the job of following Bielsa at Leeds. He said that the two managers had plenty of differences, as “people and coaches”.
For anyone to follow Marcelo in any situation is not easy. And I underestimated – I followed Marcelo, I had watched and learn from the things he does, he’s incredibly unique and authentic and in some ways.
“So off the wall in so many things he tries to do. If you don’t pay attention to what he is doing then you are not really doing your job. We have a lot of differences, Marcelo and I, as people and coaches.”
Jesse Marsch talks Marcelo Bielsa for first time since Leeds exit
Marsch could have done with taking more of a leaf out of Bielsa’s book. The reason why Leeds hired Marsch was because Victor Orta felt there were similarities – and he could continue Bielsa’s blueprint.
So for Marsch to say there were differences between himself and the Elland Road icon, is alarming – in he was brought in to mirror and further Bielsa’s work. It will be interesting to see where he rocks up next.
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