Jesse Marsch sack talk heightens as paper names Bielsa ally as Leeds Utd successor and worrying new stat emerges

Jesse Marsch, Leeds United press conference - still courtesy of LUTV Credit: Alamy
Jesse Marsch, Leeds United press conference - still courtesy of LUTV Credit: Alamy

Jesse Marsch is under increasing pressure as manager of Leeds United with reports speculating on the identity of the manager the Whites are ready to sound out as his replacement.

Leeds United are now winless in their six matches since the season resumed after the World Cup. Currently only above the relegation zone on goal difference, they slipped to a hugely-disappointing 1-0 loss at Nottingham Forest on Sunday.

And despite dominating most of the play and enjoying 70% of possession and the lions share of chances, Forest scored with one of only two efforts on their goal.

That means that Leeds have taken just 11 points from the last 51 available in the Premier League.

The setback was also the Whites’ seventh loss in 10 away games this season. Indeed, their only win was that memorable 2-1 success at Liverpool at the end of October.

Perhaps more damningly, Opta has revealed that since leaving RB Salzburg in 2021, Marsch has won just four of his 23 away league games as a manager (D6 L13), covering games with both RB Leizpig and Leeds United.

Next in wait for Leeds lies a double header against Manchester United. They travel to Old Trafford on Wednesday, before hosting Erik ten Hag’s side on Sunday.

And defeat in both matches will only increase the pressure mounting on the American’s shoulders.

As such, reports claim Leeds are beginning to draw up a list of potential replacements.

And the name seemingly at the very top of their list is a man who learned his craft under revered former boss Marcelo Bielsa.

The Argentine was shown the door at Elland Road 12 months ago. Forever remembered for ending Leeds’ long 16-year wait for promotion, supporters were in awe of the brand of football he introduced at Leeds.

Leeds United want Corberan to replace Jesse Marsch

And, according to the Daily Mail, the man at the very top of their wishlist is West Brom boss Carlos Corberan.

The Spaniard honed his craft at Elland Road under Bielsa as coach alongside Bielsa. Taking charge of their Under-21s, he also helped transfer the Argentine’s footballing philosophy down to their next generation.

However, he departed the club to take charge at neighbouring Huddersfield Town. He took Town to within 90 minutes of promotion, losing the play-off final to Nottingham Forest.

And despite an ill-fated spell at Olympiacos, he has firmly rebuilt his reputation with some stellar work at West Brom. Taking the Baggies from the relegation picture into the play-off places, Corberan has earned plenty of praise.

With plenty of credit in the bank at Leeds, too, the Mail suggests Leeds are ready to make their move to appoint him as Marsch’s replacement.

Indeed, the paper says Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani and Paraag Marathe, the president of investors 49ers Enterprises, will have a key say on which direction the club go next this week.

Marsch knows he needs urgent Leeds improvement

Marsch is under increased pressure in the wake of a successful January window at Elland Road. Leeds brought in four new signings, including a club-record deal for French forward Georginio Rutter and American midfielder Weston McKennie.

Speaking after their loss at Forest, Marsch knows he needs an urgent improvement in results – starting at Manchester United.

Marsch told BBC Sport: “I feel like we were the better team. We were on top from the beginning and we created lots of chances. The first time down the pitch they get a goal.

“We are struggling to turn performances into results and we’ve been in this place for a while. It’s hard for me to accept and it’s frustrating. And I’ve got to find ways to change that feeling and find ways to get the results we think we deserve.

“We lost discipline a little bit and guys started running all over the place. We didn’t stick to the tactical plan as we wanted to.

“In general we are struggling to get the results we feel like we deserve.

“The work and commitment on the inside has been good but from a result perspective it puts stress on the environment. I have to take responsibility on that and I do.”

Marsch still has faith in his players but knows he needs to find a way to turn the corner.

“I believe in these guys, I believe in their character and work rate and quality. I have to find ways to make them better,” he added.

“Obviously we know what the table situation is. The frustrating thing is to just let opponent after opponent after opponent slip away. We’ve got to change that dialogue.

“We’ve got to become more winners instead of finding ways to lose. That’s basically now my responsibility.”

Wednesday’s opponents, Man Utd, have won 13 successive games at Old Trafford.

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