Leeds United fired Jesse Marsch, the most well-known American manager in European soccer, on Monday.
Leeds is currently tied with Everton for the 17th spot in the English Premier League, keeping them out of the relegation zone. This winter, Marsch’s team spent over $70 million on new players, but a Sunday 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest proved to be the final straw for a team that is partially owned by the San Francisco 49ers of the NFL.
Three well-known Americans were added to Marsch’s coaching roster: Tyler Adams, the captain of the U.S. men’s national team, Brenden Aaronson of Medford, and fellow midfield standout Weston McKennie. It’s unclear what will happen to the three of them now.
Although Aaronson and Adams are under contract, if Leeds decides to let them go, they may draw interest from other teams. Only one week has passed since McKennie’s arrival on a temporary loan, with a $35 million buyout option that will not be exercised should Leeds be relegated at the end of the current campaign.
Marsch started this season with a bang, coaching Leeds to its first win over rival Chelsea in 20 years. Leeds also won at perennial power Liverpool for the first time since 2001.
But Marsch’s team has gone three months without a win in the Premier League. With the risk of relegation too big to bear, his bosses ran out of patience.
“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,” the team said in a statement. “We would like to thank Jesse and his backroom staff for their efforts and wish them well for the future.”
