Jesse Marsch’s previous 10 games as Leeds United boss is just one point better off than Marcelo Bielsa managed in the same period before he left the club. The pressure is beginning to mount on the American after another dismal defeat at Villa Park on Friday night.
A 2-1 loss to Unai Emery’s side was the Whites’ seventh consecutive fixture without a win. Hostile chants could be heard from the away end at the full-time whistle as Leeds - who have won just twice in 17 games across all competitions - fluffed their lines again.
After the game, Marsch acknowledged the noises of discontent from the travelling United supporters. He said: “Obviously, everybody's frustrated with not getting the points but I would have expected an appreciation for the way the team played.
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“But that's ok. I understand. That's part of the job that I have. I'm focused entirely on our team, and I understand the pressures that come with the expectations for a club like Leeds United. So I accept it (calls for his head). But I'm more positive than I've ever been since I've been here.”
The messianic figure of Bielsa was sacked following a poor run of form last February. A heavy defeat to Tottenham Hotspur left Leeds two points above the relegation zone - exactly where they sit right now.
In his final 10 games, the Argentine picked up just seven points and supporters were forced to consider the unthinkable with the perennially popular manager. Fast forward to the present and Marsch has earned just one more point in his previous 10 outings.
Late, back-to-back wins over Liverpool and Bournemouth attributes for 75 percent of the eight points Leeds have managed in that time. Dissecting these numbers could provide insight into how Andrea Radrizzani and Co are thinking.
While Bielsa was dismissed almost one year ago, the unprecedented World Cup break means it happened at a different stage of the season. The 67-year-old was given his P45 after 26 games. Marsch, on the other hand, has only played 18 in 2022-23, a fact he was keen to outline after the Villa setback.
Marsch vs Bielsa: previous 10 games
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