Alexi Lalas says Jesse Marsch Leeds exit ‘ammunition to those looking to criticize American soccer’

Alexi Lalas says the departure of Jesse Marsch from Leeds will damage the reputation of American soccer after the manager was sacked on Monday with less than a year in charge.

Marsch was sacked a day after Leeds lost 1-0 to Nottingham Forest to leave the team above the relegation zone on goal difference, level on points with 18th-place Everton. Leeds often played well under Marsch but failed to turn the positive displays into points and now face a fight to retain their Premier League status.

Former USA international Lalas responded to Marsch’s departure on Twitter, writing: ‘Fair decision to sack Jesse Marsch. But his failure also provides arguments for those seeking to criticize the quality of American coaching (and American soccer).

“It’s an ongoing battle for credibility, on and off the field. But it comes with the territory. Onward and upward.’

Marsch signed three US internationals at Leeds in Tyler Adams, Brendan Aaronson and Weston McKennie, who joined last week and made his substitute debut against Forest. He also named US coach Chris Armas to his roster just two weeks ago.

Jesse Marsch was sacked as Leeds manager on Monday with the 17th team in the Premier League

Adams signed Tyler Adams, the US captain, on one of three US transfers at Leeds.

Alexi Lalas said Marsch’s departure from Leeds could damage the reputation of American soccer

When Marsch arrived in Leeds in February last year, he said the Ted Lasso television series had not helped his own reputation as an American in soccer. Lalas, however, rejected a follower’s suggestion that the show retained Marsch.

“I think Ted Lasso obviously leans into the stereotypes of Americans, American coaches and American soccer…because it’s good television,” Lalas said. ‘But he’s not hurting football. Ted Lasso had nothing to do with the firing of Jesse Marsch. We (Americans) can laugh at ourselves.

Lalas also endorsed Marsch as a candidate to become the USA’s coach. The position is open after Gregg Berhalter’s contract expired amid an investigation into a domestic violence incident during his teenage years with his now-wife, who was leaked to US Soccer by the parents of US international Gio Reyna.

“I think Jesse Marsch would surely and rightly be on any #USMNT coaching shortlist,” Lalas said. “The appeal of him comes largely from his European experience, where he has had mixed results.”

Meanwhile, former USA international Taylor Twellman said: ‘Everton’s result against Arsenal this weekend (a 1-0 win) convinces Leeds United to make this move.

‘It’s about survival and results. Yes, Leeds played better than Forest at the weekend, but they lost and that’s the end result. $40 million spent in the transfer window and he gets 1 game. Only reality, unfortunately.

Another former US international, Hérculez Gómez, was sympathetic to Marsch.

‘I haven’t won in over 3 months in the Premier League. (7 in a row) 3 pts from the last place in a league where 6 points separate 14 and 20. The lack of finishing affected them recently, but this team gave up too much defensively”, said Gómez.

Meanwhile, NBC analyst Robbie Mustoe tweeted: ‘WOW! I didn’t see it coming so fast. I wonder how McKennie feels? TOO SOON Leeds.

Stu Holden, the former US midfielder and player for Bolton in the Premier League, said on Sunday night that he was worried about Marsch’s future at Leeds.

“Worrying trend for Leeds and Jesse Marsch,” he wrote. ‘Long stretches of dominating blunt matches and conceding weak goals. Smack dab in the middle of the relegation battle and Jesse’s margin for error gets smaller and smaller.

Leeds play Manchester United in their next two Premier League games, the first at Old Trafford on Wednesday night.

Leeds backed Marsch in the January transfer window – spending a club-record Georginio Rutter $38.5m and recruiting American midfielder McKennie from Juventus on loan – but with an eye on a permanent $30m deal if Leeds remains in the Premier League.

Marsch hired Armas to join his coaching staff and his current status is unclear: the Leeds statement confirming Marsch’s departure on Monday made no reference to him.

Leeds said: ‘Leeds United can confirm that head coach Jesse Marsch has been relieved of his duties.

Jesse joined the club in February 2022 and was instrumental in keeping the club in the Premier League on the final day of last season. Rene Maric, Cameron Toshack and Pierre Barrieu will also leave the club.

‘We would like to thank Jesse and his backroom staff for their efforts and wish them well for the future. The process of appointing a new head coach is underway and we will continue to keep fans updated over the next few days.”

Leeds last won a Premier League game on November 5 against Bournemouth at Elland Road.

After Sunday’s loss to Forest, Marsch said: “I have to find a way to turn good performances into wins because that’s where we are and where we’ve been for a while.” It is the last step for me. I understand the frustration and I accept it.

‘I have to find a way to turn good things into results, or we will find ourselves in a stressful situation. I understand.

“It’s hard to have the right words for the team at the moment because the emotion is obviously strong, but my last message was that it’s a great week.” It’s a great week. Internally, we have faith here. We make. The players are in. They are giving everything they have.’