Nearly 25 years may have passed since Jesse Marsch first met Mark Jackson, but Leeds United’s new head coach has waxed lyrical about the latter’s impact in three days.
The American’s backroom staff was announced shortly before his first press conference on Thursday.
Franz Schiemer, a long-term associate of Marsch’s at Red Bull Salzburg, former Swansea City coach Cameron Toshack and Jackson, stepping up from the under-23s, will form a senior quartet in charge of the first team.
While Schiemer and Toshack have known Marsch since before he arrived in West Yorkshire, Jackson had to remind Marsch of their first meeting.
“Starting with Frankie Schiemer, we know each other really well,” said Marsch.
“He's very connected with me in terms of what our philosophy is, what our playing style is, how to implement it day-by-day so clearly that will be a big advantage.
“Cameron Toshack is the type of person who is very observant, understands how to inject himself in the right way, understands the kind of tactics and ideas we have behind our football and has a good way of relating with people.
“I can tell you it's only been two days with Mark Jackson, but it's like we've known each other for years.
“Jacko is an amazing guy. He's very flexible and adaptable. He reminded me, which I didn't know, Leeds took a summer trip for pre-season to America in 1997 [and] we apparently played against each other.
“I asked him if I'd fouled him at any point because I was good at that, but he said he couldn't remember that much.”
Andrew Taylor will move over from a loans manager role and take charge of the under-23s now Jackson has stepped into the senior unit.
No stranger to long hours under Marcelo Bielsa, the former Whites player has already pulled a late one with his new boss this week.
“He's been vital and it's not just about his experience, it's about the type of person he is,” said Marsch.
“Honestly, I feel lucky Jacko is so willing and so committed. We were here last night until 9pm talking about tactics and adjustments and what has been done and done well and what we think needs to change moving forward, he's been fantastic.
“So, certainly that connection. I can also tell you Rob Price (head of medicine and performance) has also been incredibly helpful looking at how to deal with all the physical situations, that has been fantastic.
“Everyone, and that's what you see, the club has been so much more than one person, it's really, there's a lot of positive energy and people want to help as much as they possibly can.”
