Jesse Marsch is SACKED by Leeds after Nottingham Forest defeat

Jesse Marsch has been sacked by Leeds, less than a year after taking charge of Elland Road.

The club’s ownership had been losing faith in the American and top figures have now moved decisively to make a change before they face Manchester United this week.

Leeds are hovering just above the relegation zone following a dismal run of seven Premier League games without a win that has seen them collect just three points from 21.

They have picked up just 11 points from the last 51 on offer in the Premier League, putting them outside the relegation zone on goal difference, and last won a league game on November 5 against Bournemouth.

Rene Maric, Cameron Toshack and Pierre Barrieu will also leave the club as part of a cleanup of Marsch’s backroom team.

Leeds sacked manager Jesse Marsch less than a year after he took over at Elland Road

Defeat at Nottingham Forest has left Leeds out of the relegation zone on goal difference

Marsch had been supported behind the scenes by Leeds sporting director Victor Orta (left)

In a statement, 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.

René 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.”

Marsch’s position has been under scrutiny from the club’s top leadership for some time.

Leeds United lost 1-0 to Nottingham Forest in a dismal away performance

Leeds had stayed with the American, who had the strong support of sports director Víctor Orta.

The recent appointment of assistant coach Chris Armas to Marsch’s coaching staff was seen as a show of support for the embattled boss.

However, behind-the-scenes concerns have remained.

Sources also indicated that there was some internal tension over the club’s recruiting strategy during the January window and Marsch has now paid the price with his work.

Sportsmail revealed that West Brom Carlos Corberan is a potential candidate to replace Marsch.

Corberan was admired for his work at Leeds as manager alongside Marcelo Bielsa and proved his worth as a manager by leading Huddersfield Town to the Championship play-offs.

West Brom’s Carlos Corberan (left) has emerged as a contender to replace Marsch at Leeds

Leeds ownership knows the team is entering a decisive part of the season as they take on Manchester United twice before crucial games against relegation rivals Southampton and Everton.

Leeds considered a change in early January, but backed Marsch on the transfer market.

The £35m arrival of Georginio Rutter was followed by the additions of Weston McKennie on loan from Juventus and Diogo Monteiro from Servette.

Marsch was defiant about his future after the loss to Nottingham Forest, where some at the visiting end called for him to be sacked.

After the 1-0 loss, Marsch said: “I take full responsibility and I have to find a way to turn performances into wins.

‘I understand the frustration and the doubts and I accept it. I have to turn good things into results or we will find ourselves in a stressful situation.

“Internally, we believe here and the players are all in. We’re trying to put it all together, but we have to make sure that by Wednesday we’re ready for a great result.”