Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch has admitted that he feels his players were “scared” of him when he arrived at Elland Road.
The American head coach was appointed by Leeds officials at the end of February after a 4-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur that saw Marcelo Bielsa sacked with Leeds just two points above the relegation zone after five defeats in six games.
In an interview on Soccer AM, he was asked whether or not he had participated in an initiation song, as is tradition in England, to which he replied: “No, they didn’t make me do anything.
“I think they were scared of me. I’ve noticed that sometimes, that certain things will happen and no one will say anything to me about maybe what the schedule says or what we’re supposed to do in the meal room.
“From the first day, I tried to say get rid of the English politeness, because I’m an American and we don’t understand what that is. So just be straightforward.”
TIF Thoughts on Marsch…
After a poor first half of the season with RB Leipzig, Marsch was fired by the German side having previously made his name at sister club RB Salzburg in Austria.
The 48-year-old introduced Erling Haaland to the mainstream during his two-year tenure at Salzburg with a memorable Champions League group tie at Anfield against Liverpool.
Marsch’s side were three goals down at half-time, but a tremendous comeback in the second period saw them equalise before they ultimately lost out 4-3.
A subsequent video has emerged on YouTube ever since which appears to show the former Chicago Fire stalwart giving his players an earful and demanding them to step up in the second half.
Perhaps, one or two of the current Leeds side have seen the clip and know that, like any manager, he can flip.
His methods have brought results, with a back-to-back Austrian double during his two seasons in Salzburg, and with the right backing in the summer, he could well take his new team up the table and away from the threat of relegation.
AND in other news, pundit highlights Leeds outcast who deserves more game time