What Jesse Marsch would bring to Leicester City as former Leeds United manager new favourite for role

Jesse Marsch has zoomed ahead to become the odds-on favourite for the vacant manager’s position at Leicester City.

The former Leeds United boss has become a contender as City seek a replacement for Brendan Rodgers, who was sacked on Sunday, and has reportedly held talks over the position.

The club are open-minded over their next step and could appoint an interim boss, a long-term option, or stick with caretakers Adam Sadler and Mike Stowell, who will take charge of Saturday’s clash with Bournemouth (3pm).

City have a long-standing admiration of Graham Potter, but the former Brighton and Chelsea boss is expected to take a break and not return to management until the summer. The easiest route for the club be to let Sadler and Stowell steer the club to safety and then reassess their options when the summer comes, but failure to beat the Cherries would leave them needing to make an immediate appointment, either on a short-term or long-term basis.

Marsch is likely to have fans at City, despite not being able to wholly impress with Leeds. He made his name as part of the Red Bull set-up, one that is highly regarded by the Foxes hierarchy.

After moving from MLS outfit New York Red Bulls to RB Salzburg, he won back-to-back league and cup doubles in Austria, managing a team that included City striker Patson Daka.

From there, he went to their German sister club Leipzig, but lasted just half a season. He then moved to Elland Road, helping Leeds escape relegation last season, but leaving in February this year with the Yorkshire club outside the drop zone on goal difference. In total, he earned 43 points from his 37 Premier League games with Leeds.

He nearly returned to management immediately with Southampton, but a deal broke down over the contract. The Saints were seeking an appointment to the end of the campaign, with Marsch hoping for something longer term.

Marsch would be an interesting appointment for City, given his dedication to high-pressing, aggressive football. He would not sit back and try to get City to defend their way to Premier League survival.

On the ball, speed is also important. He explained in The Coaches’ Voice: “At the core of my philosophy is playing with tempo. It’s about playing the game at a faster speed than the opponents can handle, while arranging ourselves so we are always ready to strike to win the ball and attack. I want my players to outrun and outthink the opposition, so we are one step ahead whenever possible.

“I want total commitment and belief. I want the players to feel this isn’t just a style of play; it’s a way of life. If you want something, you go out and get it. You don’t wait for it to happen. You are the aggressor. You are proactive. I tell my players: being aggressive is always better than being passive.”