After almost a year in command of the Premier League squad that was in danger of relegation, Leeds fired American coach Jesse Marsch on Monday.
Leeds has plummeted to 17th position in the 20-team division after losing each of its past seven league games and is only out of the relegation zone on goal differential.
Marsch’s final match was a 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest on Sunday. Following the game, he said he understood the fans’ frustrations and emphasized the club’s belief that the team’s performance would improve.
To replace Marcelo Bielsa, who managed Leeds for three and a half years and helped the team return to the Premier League after a 16-year absence, the 49-year-old Marsch was appointed in February of last year.
Under Marsch, Leeds kept its Premier League status on the last day of the previous season, but the team has suffered once again this year and hasn’t won since November 5 – the day before the World Cup.
Leeds issued a brief statement saying, “We would like to thank Jesse and his backroom staff for their efforts and wish them well for the future.” It also stated that the hiring process for a new manager was under progress.
Marsch managed Leeds for 37 games, winning 11.
Weston McKennie, a midfielder, was one of the club’s four new additions during the January transfer window, bringing the total number of American players to three following Brenden Aaronson and Tyler Adams.
Last month, Marsch hired Chris Armas, another American, as his assistant.