Leeds United Chat • The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Tuesday 24th January) Bielsa favourite for Goodison hot heat
Bielsa favourite for Goodison hot heat
Marcelo Bielsa is the bookies choice for the vacant Everton hot seat, after (fat) Frank Lampard was finally relieved of his duties yesterday. The 67yo Argentine has been biding his time, waiting for the right opportunity to present itself, since leaving Leeds almost eleven months ago. The Toffee's have got themselves into a sticky situation. Recent losses against Wolves, Southampton and West Ham have left them deep in the mire, with only Southampton below them on goal difference.
Could Bielsa be out for revenge? There's never a good way to sack someone, but he took it hard, and immediately severed all ties with the Elland Road hierarchy. He even refused communication when asked whether they could rename Thorp Arch after him! He's a proud man, and didn't deserve to go the way he did, but almost a year down the line, he has his chance for revenge.
The two sides meet at Goodison Park on the 18th February. If there was ever the need for three points, this is it, but with Bielsa in the opposition dugout, anything could happen. Bielsa is favourite at 11/8, follwed by Sean Dyche at 7/4 and Marcelino García Toral at 6/1. Duncan Ferguson, Wayne Rooney and Nuno Espirito Santo also get a mention.
Former Man U coach to replace Jackson
Jesse Marsch has found his replacement for Mark Jackson, who left last month to take the reigns at League 1 outfit MK Dons last month. Multiple media reports are suggesting that former USA International team mate
Chris Armas is set to join his coaching staff. The 50yo has enjoyed various coaching jobs 'over the pond' before briefly becoming Ralf Rangnick's assistant at Manchester Utd last year.
It is believed Armas is waiting for his work permit, but the deal is as good as done. Surely, this is a sign that the Elland Road hierarchy are content to stick with Marsch for the remainder of the season. If they were planning on sacking him, why would they authorise new coaching staff?
Mancini inspired Gnonto ER switch
Speaking during a recent interview, Leeds superstar Willy Gnonto revealed that Italian Head Coach Roberto Mancini inspired his decision to join the Whites. The versatile 19 yo forward has hit the ground running since arriving from Zurich on transfer deadline day last Summer, and has quickly become a crowd favourite.
The Italian International also praised Leeds Director of Football Victor Orta, who inspired a lot of trust, and Jesse Marsch for his style of football, which he was used to at Zurich.
“We’ve never spoken about it, but his [Mancini] words on young players who need to play at a high level inspired my decision,” “I don’t think a young player must go abroad to develop. The most important thing is to play, and if there isn’t this possibility in Italy, it’s worth trying elsewhere.”
“Since the very first moment I spoke to director Victor Orta, I’ve felt trust. I thought that the club’s ambition matches mine and that this is the best club to grow. We play attacking football, and my qualities fit the team well." “Luckily, Jesse Marsch and my previous coach have similar ideas, so it wasn’t too difficult to adapt. Intensity is different, it’s incredible and it was a little more difficult to adapt to it.”
Marsch's eight commandments
Whilst taking a tour around Elland Road, an eagle eyed Leeds fan spotted a list stuck to the wall revealing Jesse Marsch's eight commandments. I'm not sure it was supposed to be on public display, but goes a long way to reveal his tactical mindset and thought process.