It is a widely held belief that Jesse Marsch was the reason for Leeds United’s relegation in 2022-23. By the time Javi Gracia came in, and certainly Sam Allardyce, it was already too late.
The 2022-23 season was odd, structurally. Leeds had just survived by the skin of their teeth the previous season, largely thanks to the magic of Raphinha and a Jack Harrison winner that sent Burnley down.
Leeds’ first mistake was thinking that it was down to the appointment of Marsch. It saw them back the American gaffer that summer, spending the money raised by the sales of Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips.
None of those signings worked. Tyler Adams was good, but got injured. Brenden Aaronson is still in situ. Marsch was under pressure in a season that had a winter break, due to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Leeds held on to Marsch when fans had called for his head during the break, a period which would have given a manager time to work with his players and the benefit of bringing in his own players in January.
Photo by George Wood/Getty ImagesJesse Marsch delay could tempt 49ers to sack Daniel Farke
But wins against Liverpool and Bournemouth before the break saw Leeds stick with Marsch. The Whites went winless in the league after Christmas. Eventually, he was sacked in February after losing to Forest.
Andrea Radrizzani has admitted Leeds should have sacked Marsch earlier. Now, The Mail’s Aadam Patel writes that it is ‘known’ that The 49ers do not want to make the mistake and cling onto Farke this winter.
Radrizzani also admitted Leeds missed out on Julen Lopetegui and Unai Emery, because they chose to stick with Marsch. Leeds would then go on to fail in bids to hire both Andoni Iraola and Arne Slot.
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Paraag Marathe and the 49ers were on the Leeds board at the time of the decision to retain Marsch, and will have learnt from past mistakes. Marsch’s sacking then may see Leeds fire Farke before January.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty ImagesWhat are the differences between Marsch then, and Farke now?
Despite the win at Anfield and the comeback win over Bournemouth at Elland Road, many had become fed up of Marsch by the time players jetted off for the World Cup. Marsch was almost a laughing stock.
His ridiculous press conferences, his narrow-minded, narrow set-up failed to work and actually, wins against Brentford at the end of 2021-22, Liverpool at Anfield and even Bournemouth, was down to luck.
Farke v Marsch in the Premier League with Leeds:
On another day, Harrison’s effort isn’t deflected. On another day, Liverpool win by three or four and on another day, Bournemouth go four or five up at half-time, not just 3-1. Farke’s situation is more complex.
Many believe Leeds’ lack of form is not actually Farke’s fault, and he is doing everything he can. He asked for more attacking firepower and he didn’t get it. The German predicted that Leeds would struggle.
Nine goals in 11 games is worrying. Does Farke have enough credit in the bank to survive until January and given the chance to spend? Even if he does, PSR may prevent Leeds from being able to spend cash.
But Farke does have credit in the bank, he has fans onside and certainly, players. Marsch didn’t have that. If Leeds do so sack Farke, is there better out there willing to take over? Farke deserves some backing.