Jesse Marsch's Leeds United promise to critics to…

Jesse Marsch's Leeds United promise to critics to 'change perceptions' amid 'too positive' comments

Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch has said it's up to him to 'change the perceptions' of his critics after some fan backlash earlier this season, claiming he's been 'criticised for being too positive'.

The Whites boss has endured comparisons to fictional character Ted Lasso played by American actor Jason Sudeikis, who takes the job at fictional club AFC Richmond with no knowledge of how the sport works. That's despite Marsch leading the club to safety on the final day of the 2021/22 season and playing some entertaining football in places across this season.

Now after bringing in the likes of midfielders stars Tyler Adams and Brenden Aaronson and young Italian international Wilfried Gnonto, Marsch has started to influence how the club's vision has turned from signing experienced talent into investing in the future - something that has already paid dividends this season in standout performances by Crysencio Summerville and Sam Greenwood.

While talking on NBC Soccer Sports, alongside fellow American and former Premier League goalkeeper Tim Howard, Marsch highlighted a potential reason why he gets these comparisons and comments - but noted that it's up to him to prove the doubters wrong.

Marsch said: "I know I get criticized by some for being too positive. You know, maybe it's sometimes that not everybody likes to hear an American accent in interviews on the TV. It's true! It's true, right Tim [Howard]?"

Howard laughed and then responded: "Trust me, I get it!".

Marsch nodded and continued: "Yeah, but it's my job to change those perceptions and it's also my job to represent the club in a way that helps us honour the history which is big here. To honour the community, the fan base and, you know, the identity of what we are."

While Marsch hasn't enjoyed the best start to the season he would've hoped for, he'll be pleased with their wins over Liverpool and Bournemouth before the winter break and will believe it can be a turning point in their campaign as they currently sit 15th, just two points above the relegation zone.

With their clash against reigning champions Manchester City looming ever closer, fans will be wondering how they'll return to club football with all three points against a tough opponent. It's up to Marsch to make them believe they can do it.

Jesse Marsch's Leeds United promise to critics to 'change perceptions' amid 'too positive' comments

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