Jesse Marsch is SACKED by Leeds after Nottingham Forest defeat

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

Club ownership had been losing faith in the American and senior figures have now acted decisively to make a change ahead of facing Manchester United this week. 

CEO Angus Kinnear and sporting director Victor Orta broke the news at the training ground on Monday, with the search now on for Marsch’s successor.

Leeds are hovering just above the relegation zone following a dismal run of seven Premier League matches without a victory which has seen them amass just three points from 21. 

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

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

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

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

In a statement Leeds said: ‘Leeds United can confirm 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 supporters up to date throughout the coming days.’

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

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

Leeds had stuck by the American, who was strongly supported by sporting director Victor Orta.

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

However, the concerns behind the scenes have remained.

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

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

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

But sources indicate that Corberan is not a universal choice and Orta is believed to be targeting a different profile of manager.   

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

Leeds’ ownership know the team is entering a make-or-break part of the season as they face Manchester United twice before pivotal games against relegation rivals Southampton and Everton.

Everton’s shock win over Everton has triggered management into a change, with owner Andrea Radrizzani considering a change early in January, before backing Marsch in the transfer market. 

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

Marsch was defiant about his future in the wake of defeat to Nottingham Forest, where some in the away end called for his sacking.

After the 1-0 defeat, Marsch said: ‘I take full responsibility and I have to find a way to turn performances into winning.

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

‘Internally, we have belief 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 are ready for a big result.’