'I was ready' - Ex-Leeds United boss was hours from joining relegation rivals after Elland Road sacking
The American was sacked by Leeds United in February 2023 but almost secured an instant Premier League return.
Former Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch has revealed how close he was to taking charge of a key relegation rival shortly after his Elland Road exit.
Marsch was sacked by Leeds in February 2023, managing less than a year in charge at Elland Road. The Whites had gone three months without a win and were 17th in the Premier League at the time of his dismissal, above the relegation zone on goal difference.
One of Leeds’ key relegation rivals that season were Leicester City and after sacking Brendan Rodgers in April, they made a sensational move for Marsch. The American was reportedly in advanced talks to take over at the King Power Stadium before pulling out.
Dean Smith eventually took charge of the Foxes and they were relegated alongside Leeds. Reflecting on the rollercoaster period, Marsch has revealed a call from his home country’s national team was the catalyst for his withdrawal from the hiring process.
“I was literally being fingerprinted [for a visa] for the job at Leicester and I was ready to take it,” he told GiveMeSport. “Then I got a call from U.S. Soccer so it changed the trajectory of my life but I think things happen for a reason and I’m happy where I am right now.
"There was a match that day [against Bournemouth] and we were going to go to the [King Power] stadium together. Everything was agreed upon. And by the way, the Leicester people are fantastic. I felt terrible. It was the second time that I had pulled the rug out from under a club.
“It happened with Southampton as well. In another lifetime, Leicester would have been a really cool experience. All I'd say is that it was made very clear to me by U.S. Soccer that I was going to be the coach, and then it was made very clear to me that I was not. At the time, I was devastated and angry, but now I am thankful and really happy to be where I'm at."
Jesse Marsch on Leeds United’s survival prospects
Now in charge of the Canada national team, Marsch is preparing for this summer’s World Cup in which his side are one of three co-hosts alongside the USA and Mexico. None of his squad play in the Premier League but it hasn’t stopped him keeping an eye on things at his former club.
Leeds are currently 15th in the Premier League, four points above the relegation zone with a superior goal difference and seven games to play. Daniel Farke’s side drew 0-0 at home to Brentford last time out.
Quizzed on whether he thinks Leeds will survive, Marsch said: “It’ll be a challenge. Leeds is a big club, it’s a very emotional club. I think when you’re the manager there, one of the keys is trying to maintain calm and patience.
“I think Daniel Farke has done a pretty good job of that. I still know the 49ers, and I know they’re trying to create the stability at the club, and they have a long-term vision.”