Leeds coach Jesse Marsch invited to Ted Lasso filming after joking he’d be compared to TV character

Jesse Marsch had a chance to meet Ted Lasso – the fictional character he’s desperate to distance himself from as Leeds coach in England – but turned down the invitation because it was in the middle of the Premier League relegation fight.

Marsch has been trying to reshape the reputation American soccer has in England since he arrived at Leeds in March and said in his first press conference that the TV show would make it harder for him.

Marsch’s predecessor, Marcelo Bielsa, was hugely popular at Elland Road but Marsch arrived with Leeds two points above the relegation zone. It was around that time, Marsch said, that the Ted Lasso producers reached out to him.

Marsch previously said the show wouldn’t help him earn respect as an American soccer coach

But the Leeds boss admitted he will have to make time to watch the series

‘They were filming in London and they gave me an invitation but it was in the middle of the relegation fight,’ Marsch told ESPN. ‘But I’m a huge Jason Sudekis fan and so any time I could be on set or see what’s going on, that would be awesome.

‘I haven’t (had time to watch it in the offseason). I’ve heard it’s a really great show, I’ve heard it’s inspiring and a lot of people love it. I’ll have to find some time to watch it.

‘It’s just about managing the way people speak about Americans in England and our sport. I think no one comes here if they’re afraid of what people might say.’

Speaking at his introductory press conference Marsch, the only American coach in the Premier League, said the show’s popularity could mean he wasn’t going to be taken as seriously by English soccer fans.

The show, which won multiple Emmys in 2021, chronicles an enthusiastic American coach trying to rally a struggling English team without initially knowing anything about soccer.

‘I think there’s probably a stigma. I’m not sure ‘Ted Lasso’ helped. I haven’t watched the show, but I get it,’ Marsch said.

“People hate hearing the word soccer – I’ve used the word football since I was a professional football player. 

‘More and more in the States we’re adapting to what the game here is, and our connection to what this league is and what the sport is in this country.’

Marsch steered Leeds to Premier League survival and has been preparing for his first full season in the division by signing two USMNT players in Tyler Adams and Brenden Aaronson.

Marsch has signed UNSMT player Tyler Adams for Leeds in the Premier League offseason 

Brenden Aaronson has also joined Leeds, following Marsch and Adams to Elland Road 

‘When we were thinking about our transfer politics, we were thinking about the people more than we thought about the players. They are two of the best people I worked with,’ Marsch said. ‘They are young, their potential is massive and they fit the culture of what the team is.

‘I think about how to create success, how to committee to things fully and how to find a way to encourage the entire dialogue about what American football, soccer, is back home.

‘I think there’s more respect here than maybe the media gives. I think we’ve enjoyed the process and these two players are going to be successful and prove their way in their own manner.’

Leeds starts its season against Wolves on Saturday with a home game at Elland Road.