Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch laughs off Ted Lasso comparisons

New Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch laughed off comparisons to fictional American football manager Ted Lasso as he underlined his vision for the club in his first news conference.

The 48-year-old American has replaced Marcelo Bielsa at the Elland Road club.

His first game will be at Leicester City on Saturday with Leeds two points above the top-flight relegation zone.

«I think there's probably a stigma [around American coaches]. I'm not sure Ted Lasso helped,» said Marsch.

«I haven't watched the show but I get it. People hate hearing the word soccer, I've used the word football since I was a professional football player.

»More and more in the United States, we are adapting to what the game is here in England and our connection with what this league is and what the culture of the sport is in this country.

«I can understand that they don't think we have the experiences that can be created here in Europe. Frankly, they're right. It was the reason I came to Europe, learnt German and tried to adapt to new cultures. This is the fifth country I've coached football in.

»It takes me out of my comfort zone. It challenges me to grow and develop and learn new things. I'm very open to that.

«I'm very cognisant of the fact that I'm not perfect and I don't want to be. All I can say is that the only way I know how to do things is to go all in, to give everything I have, to believe in who I am, to believe in the people that I work with and to try to maximise what we are every day.

»If you can do that effectively you can be incredibly surprised with the human spirit and what you can achieve. That sounds like Ted Lasso I think from what I've heard!"

Bielsa was sacked after Leeds gained just seven points from a possible 33, having lost eight of