Jesse Marsch's introduction to life as Leeds United head coach has been especially fast-paced. The American faced four Premier League matches in his first three weeks at the helm, securing six points from an available twelve. Last-minute winners from Joe Gelhardt and Luke Ayling delivered the vital points at home to Norwich City and away to Wolverhampton Wanderers prior to March's international break.
With the brief hiatus in the domestic football calendar, Marsch and his players have taken some much-needed time off before heading back to Thorp Arch in preparation for Saturday's match versus Southampton at Elland Road. One month into the job, Marsch has provided clarity on issues such as tactics, short-term solutions to injuries and been transparent on his coaching philosophy.
However, due to the nature of the task at hand, there are still pertinent questions which are yet to be asked of, or answered by the 48-year-old, many of which focus on how Leeds conduct themselves this summer once Premier League safety has ideally been secured.
READ MORE: Patrick Bamford's unseen Leeds United battle leaves major question for transfer policy
Drameh stance
Cody Drameh's loan exit in January seemed to rankle with former Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa. The Argentine felt Drameh would be best-placed by finishing his tailored, two-year development plan at Thorp Arch, contributing to the U23 and first-team squads. The England youth international instead sought regular football at Championship level and has, by all accounts, excelled with Cardiff City.
Jesse Marsch is yet to be quizzed on Leeds United's loan players, which include the likes of Ian Poveda and Helder Costa, as well as Bluebirds loanee Drameh. Given the fact that any ill feeling towards Drameh's loan will have departed alongside Bielsa, there now appears a route back at Elland Road where Drameh could conceivably operate as Luke Ayling's understudy at right-back.
Evolution of the 'leadership council'
Marsch has made reference to the Leeds United 'leadership council' on a number of occasions since taking charge. He has named Liam Cooper, Kalvin Phillips, Stuart Dallas, Patrick Bamford, Luke Ayling, Adam Forshaw and Rodrigo Moreno as his dressing room leaders - the players he relies on to relay squad morale, raise concerns or discuss team matters.
These players were mostly stalwarts under the previous regime and moving forward are among those members of the squad whose contracts expire soonest. Luke Ayling and Adam Forshaw's deals run until the end of next season, although there is an option for the club to extend Forshaw's by an additional year, while Rodrigo, Dallas, Cooper and Phillips' contracts run until the summer of 2024. In time, the 'leadership council' and the personnel who appear on it, will evolve. How Marsch manages this given their importance within the dressing room remains to be seen.
Which players does Marsch want to work with next season?
Linked to the evolution of the leadership council, Marsch has been clear that for the time being he is focused squarely on retaining Leeds' Premier League status. He has not deviated from this stance, reluctant to discuss matters which will take place beyond the end of the current season. That said, he has committed himself to the club by signing a contract until 2025 and has reiterated he will manage the team no matter which division they are in, so long as he believes in the project.
Provided Leeds remain in the top flight, the club will consult Marsch on his preferred targets this summer, as it did with previous head coach Marcelo Bielsa. Having previously managed in the United States and exclusively within the Red Bull sphere of influence in Europe - which often utilises internal transfers - the suspicion is Marsch will look to work with players who understand his playing style, which may include individuals he has worked with previously.
Brenden Aaronson was a player Leeds United were reportedly interested in signing during the January transfer window. As a USMNT international and current Red Bull Salzburg player, signed by Marsch for the Austrian side 14 months ago, the Leeds coach's opinion on the possibility of adding Aaronson will be of particular interest.
Who will come in as part of Marsch's backroom team?
Currently, Leeds United are working with a skeleton crew of first-team staff, with Mark Jackson promoted from U23 duties until the end of the season, alongside new coaching additions Franz Schiemer and Cameron Toshack. Marcelo Bielsa's extensive network of analysts, coaches and support staff left with him last month, meaning the club will be expected to appoint a more settled backroom team in addition to Schiemer, Toshack and Jackson this summer.
"We will add to the staff eventually. Right now it's a little bit of just trying to get the rhythm with everybody we have here," Marsch said in a recent press conference, indicating it is something which will take place. As for who joins, the decision is likely to rest with the American, who will be expected to name individuals he has worked alongside before.
Will Marsch keep a small squad or build greater depth?
One of Marcelo Bielsa's coaching tenets was the preference of a small squad, something which has been reinforced by Director of Football Victor Orta in recent weeks. Jesse Marsch is yet to take a position on squad-building due to the fact transfers and summer business are of secondary importance given the team's league position. Once the division in which Leeds will play next season is decided, ideological questions such as the above are expected to be asked of the new head coach.
Now over to you, give us your marks out of ten for Marsch's start via the form below:
We want to hear your thoughts, so LOG IN and leave your comment below
