Leeds take 'gamble' after major Elland Road decision

Leeds United took a huge ‘gamble’ by tasking Jesse Marsch with guiding the Whites out of a Premier League relegation dogfight, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

Marsch was appointed as the Yorkshire giants’ new head coach just 24 hours after cult figure Marcelo Bielsa had been sacked at the end of last month.

After handing Marsch the managerial reins, Leeds director of football Victor Orta revealed the American had been on the club hierarchy’s radar for a prolonged period of time and the key decision-makers behind-the-scenes felt his ‘philosophy and style of football aligns with that of the club and will suit the players very well’.

However, Marsch has been unable to turn the Whites’ fortunes around since his appointment, with the Elland Road outfit being condemned to two consecutive defeats by Leicester City and Aston Villa.

The 3-0 setback at the hands of Villa would have been particularly difficult for the former RB Leipzig boss to take as, just 80 seconds into his first home match at the helm, Leeds fans chanted the name of predecessor Bielsa.

Marsch admitted his side played with ‘fear’ and were ‘shambolic’ during the first half but was keen to praise the support from the Elland Road stands.

Whites managing director Angus Kinnear has urged fans to remain united and get behind Marsch to give themselves ‘every chance of fulfilling our collective ambition to make Leeds United great again’.

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O’Rourke believes Leeds took a major risk by turning to Marsch after axing Bielsa as the American headed to Elland Road without any English top flight experience.

The journalist also feels starting his reign with back-to-back defeats will not have