Jesse Marsch tips Patrick Vieira to succeed as a manager

Jesse Marsch has tipped his former MLS arch-rival Patrick Vieira to become a Premier League great as a manager — just like he was as a player. 

The Leeds boss admits he used to ‘hate’ Crystal Palace chief Vieira when they came up against each other in America as the respective coaches of New York Red Bulls and New York City.

But ahead of their Selhurst Park reunion tonight, Marsch congratulated the former Arsenal captain on being inducted into the Premier League’s hall of fame, and added: ‘I don’t know if you can be inducted as a manager as well, but I think he can be an incredible manager in this league for years.

‘I was really happy to see him in the Premier League because I think it’s where he belongs.

‘When he came to MLS, we were all excited to have somebody of his stature in the league. Then, when he came to New York City, it meant I had to hate him! But he’s not an easy guy to hate because he’s a very good coach. We had some heated moments when we were in New York together but over time we grew to really respect each other.’

Marsch’s Leeds head into tonight’s match just four points clear of the relegation zone. But they have improved since the arrival of their American coach in February, winning three of their last four unbeaten games, and will move just one point behind Palace with a win.

Marsch has confirmed he will start England midfielder Kalvin Phillips tonight for the first time since he injured his hamstring December. He will come head-to-head with Conor Gallagher, who could rival the Leeds talisman for a World Cup place after making three international appearances this season.

But Vieira has played down the significance of the midfield battle.

‘I don’t think the England manager will make his decision based