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Jesse Marsch beefs up the backroom staff with ex-Man United No 2 Chris Armas joining as his new assistant, with the Leeds boss hailing his fellow American as a ‘fantastic addition’ (despite unconvinced stars dubbing him ‘Ted Lasso’ at Old Trafford)
Leeds have confirmed the appointment of former Manchester United manager Chris Armas.
Sportsmail exclusively revealed last week that Leeds were reaching out to Armas after losing manager Mark Jackson to MK Dons earlier this season and have been looking for a new assistant coach ever since.
Jesse Marsch now has his man as Armas joins the backroom crew, subject to obtaining a work permit.
Former Manchester United manager Chris Armas (left) joined the back room staff in Leeds
“I am delighted to welcome Chris to Leeds United,” said Marsch.
“He will be a fantastic addition to the staff, he brings a wealth of experience from around the world and having worked closely with him before, I am sure he will help us get better every day.”
Director of football Victor Orta added: “We always have constant ideas to improve the team around Jesse and with Chris it fits perfectly, both have worked together in the past and he has experience working in the Premier League.
“Chris was one of the greatest players in the history of the United States and his determination and skills will add value to our club and we are very pleased that he has joined us.”
Armas has Premier League experience having worked at Manchester United under caretaker manager Ralf Rangnick last season, but reports from Old Trafford suggested the American did not convince everyone.
He was reportedly given the nickname ‘Ted Lasso’, after the fictional character from the hit Apple+ series.
But Armas has only good things to say about his time at Old Trafford, counting The crack podcast: ‘I’m just grateful, they treated me, I promise everyone, tremendously.
“The upper management, the coaching staff, Darren Fletcher, they treated me like I’ve been there forever and they were amazing.
‘With the players, I had a very good relationship, from top to bottom, young or old, or superstars. The frustrating thing is that you come across this gift, like a pot of gold and I can’t carry it, it’s too heavy.
It could be the perfect time for some fresh ideas at Elland Road, with Leeds currently sitting just one point above the relegation zone.
Marsch’s side will be in FA Cup action when they take on Accrington Stanley, before traveling to Nottingham Forest on February 5.
Armas, who is expected to be on the bench for Saturday’s FA Cup match, had a successful playing career in MLS with both the LA Galaxy and the Chicago Fire, where he played under Marsch.
He would then go on to serve as Marsch’s assistant at the New York Red Bulls until 2018, before assuming the head coaching role after Marsch left for RB Leipzig in Germany.