After almost four seasons of Marcelo Bielsa at Leeds United, there has been plenty of speculation over how long the Argentine will continue at Elland Road.
Neither Bielsa nor Leeds would seem to be keen to end what has been an beautiful partnership. However, nobody would argue that this season has been a disappointing one and as Bielsa only signs contracts for one year at a time, speculation will always be rife about what will happen next.
This season, there are more stories about potential replacements than ever before and it has emerge today that Jesse Marsch is the number one candidate, should this summer be seen as the time for a change.
The 49-year-old American has built his reputation as a coach in the Red Bull system and during that time he has managed both Erling Haaland - arguably now the best striker in world football - and Leeds' top transfer target Brenden Aaronson. Both those players have spoken very highly of their ex-manager:
"Jesse and I had a great relationship. We still talk on the phone sometimes. He was an amazing manager for me, and we had some great memories together," said Haaland.
"I am lucky to have gotten to know him as a coach, but also as a person. He was very good with me.
"As you saw, I was very happy on and off the pitch in Salzburg. Even though it was just six months, it was a good time. He is an amazing guy."
Meanwhile, Aaronson spoke about how his play-style suited the coaching of Marsch and mentioned how he'd helped him develop as a player.
"I’ve learned so much [under him]. Jesse’s a fantastic coach for me.
He’s very open, very tactical, does film sessions with you. He teaches you other things.
Formation wise, for me it’s been four or five formations. He likes trying things and I like that."
Before starting his career as a club coach, Marsch worked as an assistant coach for the US national team, working under Bob Bradley during World Cup 2010.
"There are always guys who you say to yourself, 'I'm pretty sure he's going to continue, and he's going to be a coach,' and Jesse would be one of those guys," Bradley told The Princeton Alumni Weekly.
The American coach also gained plaudits from Jurgen Klopp during his time coaching RB Salzburg. His side faced Liverpool at Anfield in the Champions League and were 3-0 down at half-time. Marsch was able to rally his team and they brought the game back to 3-3 by the 60th minute , although Mo Salah would go on to score a winner for Liverpool.
Klopp said afterwards:
"There are teams that would maybe break down after 3-0 at Anfield, but they weren’t, they were not really bothered."
Performances like that one at Anfield, where Salzburg were able to push Liverpool all the way, despite a large quality gap, demonstrate why Marsch appears to have caught the eye of Victor Orta.
