Premier League strugglers Leeds sack manager Marsch

LONDON: Jesse Marsch was sacked as Leeds manager on Monday after the American failed to halt the struggling club’s slide towards the Premier League relegation zone.

Leeds’ 1-0 loss at Nottingham Forest on Sunday left them just one place above the bottom three after seven league games without a win.

Leeds’ decision to axe Marsch came at the start of a crucial week featuring back-to-back fixtures against arch-rivals Manchester United.

They travel to Old Trafford today and host Erik ten Hag’s team on Sunday.

“Leeds United can confirm head coach Jesse Marsch has been relieved of his duties,” the club said in a statement.

Leeds last won a match in the Premier League on Nov 5, a dismal run that prompted fans to call for Marsch to be sacked after the Forest defeat.

They got their wish just 24 hours later, with the 49-year-old relieved of his duties after only a year in charge at Elland Road.

Marsch, who was hired on a threeyear contract to replace the sacked Marcelo Bielsa, departed with his 17thplaced side out of the relegation zone only on goal difference.

The appointment of Marsch at Elland Road was greeted with scepticism, with some arguing the American’s lack of Premier League pedigree made his appointment a gamble.

He had previously managed New York Red Bulls, Red Bull Salzburg and RB Leipzig.

Leeds were 16th when Marsch arrived in February 2022 and he eventually saved them from relegation with victory at Brentford on the last day of the season.

But they have failed to progress after that dramatic escape, winning just four times in 20 Premier League games this season and suffering 10 defeats as fan frustration mounted.