Jesse Marsch future: Leeds boss opens up on claims he could quit upon relegation and why he quotes Gandhi to his players
Leeds manager Jesse Marsch insists he remains very much in it for the long haul at Elland Road and that he always intended to stay more than 12 games at the club, regardless if they end up suffering relegation.
The Whites recently enjoyed a five-match unbeaten run under the American’s leadership which appeared to put them safe of danger. However, an incredible run of results from Burnley, a mini-revival from Everton, together with two straight losses for Leeds, has plunged the Whites into the relegation zone.
With three games left to play, Leeds need another good run of results themselves to avoid the dreaded drop.
When Marsch took over from the sacked Marcelo Bielsa in late February, he knew the manner of the task he was taking on. At the time, Marsch said he felt Bielsa should have been given the chance to see the job through.
However, he now finds himself staring down the barrel of relegation with questions again being raised over Marsch’s future.
Marsch, though, is adamant he has a long-term vision at Leeds, though is perfectly clear on what his immediate goal is.
“I am calm. I am so focused on what we are doing right here, right now. My vision was not 12 games. It’s over years,” he said.
“The first step is staying in the Premier League. The club deserves it and club has earned it. But we have to earn it in the moment right now.
“Stress does not help. I know that’s the situation, but our ability to remove that and go forward by eliminating the pressures of whatever it is.
“The fans get it and they are the ones who are positive. This is what pushes us. People are behind us and know how to express that.
Jesse Marsch determined to keep Leeds positive
Marsch is focused on keeping his Leeds United players in a positive frame of mind as the season comes to the boil.
And he insists having a positive outlook has always been his way when it comes to management.
“It’s definitely my way of leading. We [the squad] had a talk yesterday. What’s involved in the moment? If you look at the nine since I have been here, there’s been a lot of good performances and picked up points.
“We have responded in many ways to how I’m working with the group. I said if this was the ninth game of the season, went a man down and played like that second half. Tie the match up we would have taken that as a big positive, but our situation means there is stress.
“We’re trying to manage that and accept the fact we’re in this situation and stay strong. We want to play with no regrets and go after it. Mixture of pragmatic and clear.”
Leeds boss on quoting Gandhi at his players
Leaving no stone unturned in a bid to inspire his players and become a better coach, Jesse Marsch used quotations from Gandhi on his players before the match with Arsenal.
And while the result went against them, he claims a positive mindset from his players was evident during the second half.
Asked to explain why he quoted the legendary Indian lawyer and politician, Marsch explained: Inspiration is a big part of this job and when you lead people you need your finger on the pulse.
“I have 52 articles. Excerpts from books I sometimes give players when I think they need something to motivate them.
“I have hundreds of quotes at different moments which fit with who I am and the way we play football. I love quotes and I love learning from people of the past, sporting or historical figures.
“The key to understand what messages to use at the right time so they can handle moments. Stress of relegation trying to stay strong without belief and commitment, mentality. I’m trying to find ways to motivate, inspire our collective mentality.”
The post Jesse Marsch future: Leeds boss opens up on claims he could quit upon relegation and why he quotes Gandhi to his players appeared first on TEAMtalk.