Paul Merson ‘can’t believe’ Leeds United decision as he gives verdict on Marcelo Bielsa return | OneFootball

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Football365

·7 February 2023

Paul Merson ‘can’t believe’ Leeds United decision as he gives verdict on Marcelo Bielsa return

Article image:Paul Merson ‘can’t believe’ Leeds United decision as he gives verdict on Marcelo Bielsa return

Paul Merson “can’t believe” that Leeds United have sacked Jesse Marsch before their two games in the Premier League against Manchester United.

Leeds are now searching for new manager as it was confirmed earlier this week that they have sacked Marsch following the club’s poor run of form in the league.


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The Yorkshire are winless in the Premier League since November and this form has seen them slip down to 17th in the Premier League. They are level on points with 18th-placed Everton.

Leeds United’s decision to part ways with Marsch has come a matter of days before their two games against rivals Man Utd.

Merson feels that Leeds “weren’t a million miles off” under Marsch.

“I can’t believe what’s happened at Leeds. I cannot believe what they’ve done,” Merson told Sky Sports.

“They’ve got back-to-back matches coming up against Manchester United in the space of four days and they’ve sacked the manager.

“Let’s be honest, this team is bang unlucky. Surely people are watching and thinking that the Leeds players were running around and putting the effort in for the manager. They just couldn’t put the ball in the back of the net.”

He added: “Leeds have also brought new players in, who have signed for Marsch. He knew these players and they have joined the club on the strength of him being the manager. All of a sudden, he’s gone.

“I’d like to think the players thought they’d have a better chance of getting something from these games with Man Utd with Marsch as manager. They weren’t a million miles off.”

Marcelo Bielsa was adored by Leeds United’s faithful before Marsch replaced him. The Argentinian has been linked with AFC Bournemouth and Everton but he remains out of work.

Merson has explained why Leeds would be wise to bring Bielsa back to the club.

“I think the only way they could potentially get out of trouble is to bring Marcelo Bielsa back,” Merson continued.

“Leeds are used to playing in a certain way. They play at 100 miles-per-hour. It’s high-pressure football and they are full of energy. They could do worse than bringing Bielsa back. The fans would be on board with it.

“It’s so difficult to change style midway through a season.

“That’s why Bielsa didn’t go to Everton. He looked at the players and thought that they couldn’t play in the way he wanted. However, Dyche looked at the Everton squad and it was completely different. Those players are a dream for Dyche.

“Now this Leeds team can still play in the way Bielsa wants to play. The players haven’t got time to change and get used to a completely new style of playing. Because of that Bielsa has to be an option.”

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