Who is new Leeds manager Jesse Marsch? Clubs managed, record, style of play for American coach

Marcelo Bielsa made a major impact at Leeds United, overseeing the club's promotion to the Premier League in 2020 after a 16-year absence from the top flight. The Argentine legend created unity amongst the club's supporters and was also in charge for some memorable moments in the top flight.

Last season, however, matters took a turn for the worse, with Leeds becoming too predictable in their style of play and the threat of relegation looming large. The squad looked exhausted as Bielsa's demands sapped the squad of energy.

Leeds made the tough decision to part ways, and turned to American coach Jesse Marsch as they look to improve their fortunes in the English top flight.

Marsch steered the club to safety, narrowly avoiding relegation with a 17th-placed finish. They now look to the American to retain that Premier League status and push further up the table as the club hopes to build back into a top flight mainstay.

MORE: Why did Leeds United fire Marcelo Bielsa?

Who is Jesse Marsch?

Marsch enjoyed a lengthy career in MLS as a player, during which he represented D.C. United, Chicago Fire and Chivas USA. 

At D.C. United he won MLS Cup twice as well as the Supporters' Shield and the U.S. Open Cup.

He also won the MLS Cup and the Supporters' Shield with Chicago Fire in addition to winning the U.S. Open Cup three times.

Since his playing time, Marsch moved into the coaching ranks, first in the United States and then abroad in Europe. The American has been rumored many times to be considered for a role with the U.S. National Team, but has yet to tackle that adventure.

MORE: What's been said about Bielsa's sacking at Leeds

Why did Leeds hire Jesse Marsch?

One significant similarity to Bielsa is Marsch's preference for a high-octane pressing game, which would mean that Leeds wouldn't deviate too far from their current style.

Still, their styles are not a direct comparison, only boasting general similarities. While Bielsa plays a full 90-minute high press across the field, Marsch's pressing is more targeted. Known as a "counter-press," Marsch developed and refined his German-born "gegenpress" style while in the Red Bull system.

The American, who was most recently in charge of RB Leipzig, relishes giving opportunities to young players, and that too is similar to Bielsa's philosophy.

According to Leeds Live, the club's sporting director Victor Orta has long admired the work that Marsch has done in his managerial career so far.

Jesse Marsch teams managed

After starting out as assistant to Bob Bradley coaching the USA national team, Marsch has gone on to manage Montreal Impact, New York Red Bulls, Red Bull Salzburg and RB Leipzig. 

Montreal Impact (2011-2012)

Marsch was named as Montreal Impact's first head coach in 2011 (starting work in 2012) and finished 12th in MLS in his first season. He departed in November 2012 due to him having differences with the club's management regarding coaching philosophies.

New York Red Bulls (2015-2018)

In January 2015 Marsch took charge of the New York Red Bulls and won the MLS Supporters' Shield in his first season, while he was also named MLS Coach of the Year. 

Marsch left in July 2018 as the coach with the most wins in the club's history - 75. 

Assistant at RB Leipzig (2018-2019)

Marsch was then named as the assistant to Ralf Rangnick at RB Leipzig. He organized the team's training sessions and prepared them for facing opponents.

Leipzig finished third in the Bundesliga and reached the final of the DFB-Pokal, where they lost to Bayern Munich.

Red Bull Salzburg (2019-2021)

Subsequently Marsch was appointed as manager of Leipzig's sister club Red Bull Salzburg. He won the Austrian Bundesliga title, with Salzburg finishing 12 points clear of their closest challengers Rapid Vienna, while he also oversaw success in the Austrian Cup. 

The following season Salzburg won the double again under Marsch's guidance. 

RB Leipzig (2021)

Marsch replaced Julian Nagelsmann as Leipzig boss ahead of the current season. However, he was in charge for just 21 games before he and the club mutually agreed to part ways. The team struggled during his time in charge, and sat out of a Champions League place when he departed.