Leeds United: Elland Road figure blessed with 'unbelievable footballing brain'

Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch has got ‘an unbelievable footballing brain’, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The 48-year-old replaced the extremely popular Marcelo Bielsa after he was relieved of his duties following a run of five defeats in six games and claimed a vital three points last time out.

Disappointing losses to both Leicester City and Aston Villa marked Marsch’s opening two fixtures at the helm, increasing the relegation fears around Elland Road.

However, Joe Gelhardt’s 90+4th minute winner against Norwich City over the weekend secured Leeds’s first victory since 16 January and moved them four points clear of the relegation zone.

That result has bought the highly-respected Marsch more time to succeed with the west Yorkshire outfit after arriving with a sizeable reputation.

The American has spent a large portion of his managerial career within the network of Red Bull clubs, first taking charge of New York for three years in 2015 before becoming Ralf Rangnick’s assistant manager at Leipzig for a season in 2018.

Cristiano Ronaldo MASTERCLASS as Man United beat Spurs 3-2! Full reaction on The Football Terrace…

Marsch then took charge of Austrian giants Salzburg the following year, adding two domestic doubles to the Supporters Shield he claimed during his time in his homeland.

But Marsch was unable to replicate this success when he was named Leipzig’s head coach last summer and was sacked after winning just five of his 14 Bundesliga games at the helm, leaving the German outfit in 11th position.

Despite his unsuccessful stint with Leipzig, Marsch’s reputation as an astute tactician has remained intact, with his preferred 4-2-2-2 formation, vertical play and high pressing winning many plaudits.

And Jones