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New Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch admits he is trying to break down stereotypes after responding honestly to a question about American coaches in the Premier League.

The 48-year-old American has been drafted in to replace iconic boss Marcelo Bielsa. The Argentine will live long in the memory of Leeds fans, though results on the pitch had taken a startling nosedive this season. That said, he will forever be adored and Marsch has huge shoes to fill.

With that in mind, Marsch was quick to pay tribute to the work of his predecessor in his first Leeds press conference.

Marsch becomes only the third US citizen to take charge of a Premier League side. Indeed, the first man in charge, Bob Bradley, had an ill-fated spell in charge at Swansea back in 2016.

The other, David Wagner, while Germany born, is a citizen of the United States. And while suffering relegation with Huddersfield, he will be remembered as a success.

Marsch was asked the question about American coaches in his press conference. And he was quick to put to bed the comparisons with fictional character Ted Lasso, a TV programme Mikel Arteta once revealed provided gave him inspiration.

Asked if there was a stigma towards Americans, Marsch replied: “I think there probably is. I’m not sure Ted Lasso helped. I get it.

“I’ve made sure I’ve used the word football since I was a player. More and more in the States we are adapting to what the sport is over here.

Marsch admits Ted Lasso hasn’t helped

“It’s the reason I came to Europe and learned German. This is the fifth country I have coached football in. It takes me out of my comfort zone. Challenges me to develop. I’m very cognisant of the fact.

“Only way I know how to do things is to go all in and help the people to maximise what we are every day. That sounds like Ted Lasso from what I have heard.”

Asked about his plans for the weeks ahead, Marsch added: “Andrea Radrizzani [Leeds chairman] asked me if I would come in either league and I said if the project was right it did matter. When they came eight days ago it was time to show I meant that.

“I wanted to see him [Bielsa] finish his legacy. The group was suffering. I had to wrap my mind around doing it now and my focus is not on the Championship, it’s on finding ways to keep us in the Premier League.

“However, in the end, I am committed to being here no matter what the situation.”

Asked about Leeds’ potential, he added: “Knowing football history and what Leeds has been in the past, knowing this is a one-club city.

“This club has incredible potential to inch itself forward as a bigger and bigger club here in England. With the 49ers, I met them. They are incredibly intelligent people. They are very clear in what has made them successful. A lot to be learned from them, but that’s not the main reason I am here. To say there is an Americanisation of this club would be incorrect.”

Marsch keen to keep top Leeds stars

Come the summer, Leeds will likely have to fend off much interest in their top players Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha.

Their hopes of keeping the former were earlier on Thursday given a boost amid claims he will stay for at least one more season.

Marsch though had an honest answer when questioned about keeping Leeds’ star men.

“You know there are things you can suggest and try to work through, but you also know there are situations you have to accept. Good players make good managers,” he said.

“Every manager would say he wants the best players he can. But for the health of a group you have to respect the possibilities of what is out there.

“I try to control what is out there within the boundaries. Work diligently with the people around me, but I trust someone like Victor [Orta], his expertise and communication style in building a roster is very impressive. I trust his way.”

READ MORE: Bielsa tipped to revisit job he previously admitted he’d ‘like’ while Leeds manager

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