The search for Leeds United’s next head coach is well underway following Monday’s departure of American Jesse Marsch. The 49-year-old was given his marching orders following the club’s 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest, which continued the Whites' search for a first Premier League victory since November 5.
But the fires of hope are far from extinguished. Wednesday’s 2-2 draw with Manchester United proves that there is still life left in the squad and hopefully has made Leeds a more attractive move for prospective managers. With more than a couple of names thrown in the ring, supporters have had their say on the club’s management options in a LeedsLive poll.
Unsurprisingly, the majority of fans were happy with Jesse Marsch’s departure, with nearly 80% of the more than 5,000 respondents approving. However, nearly half of those responses argued that the Whites should have shown the manager out door far earlier. It’s tough to argue against them after the Whites’ winless start to 2023, excluding the FA Cup.
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The management turnover has also been backed to turn around the club’s table position, as 40% of fans said that Leeds will now stay up after Marsch’s sacking. A further 39% insisted the club would’ve avoided relegation regardless of Jesse Marsch’s presence, while a pessimistic 1 in 5 are dead set that the Championship looms this season.
And of course, the question on everyone’s lips is the matter of Marsch’s replacement. Michael Skubala has been performing admirably as part of the club’s three-man interim management team, but supporters have been eyeing a candidate with more star factor.
Is Mauricio Pochettino the man to take Leeds forward? Have your say in the comments below
The fans have spoken, and they have a clear favourite. Mauricio Pochettino was voted for by more than 2500 respondents in a resounding show of support for the former PSG man. The Argentinian left the French giants in July of 2022 and could be the breath of fresh air the squad needs.
In a distant second place is Carlos Corberan with 23% of the vote, but those fans will be crushed by the Spaniard’s new contract at West Brom which rules him out of an Elland Road return. Corberan was not the only former Leeds man up for debate, as Marcelo Bielsa sat in third place with 15% of fans encouraging the iconic Argentinian’s return.
The remaining 14% of responses were split between Ange Postecoglou, Rafa Benitez, Ralph Hasenhuttl and wildcard Michael Carrick.
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