Jesse Marsch has responded to the criticism of his management from former Leeds United manager Sam Allardyce.
Leeds faced relegation from the Premier League at the conclusion of the 2021-22 season, marking the end of their decline following Marcelo Bielsa’s tenure.
Allardyce oversaw the last four matches of that challenging season but has attributed blame to his predecessors, Javi Gracia and Marsch.
“Bielsa had the best physical statistics in the Premier League; Leeds were ranked No. 1,” Allardyce stated on the No Tippy Tappy Football podcast.
“So when I arrived at Leeds, I thought: ‘At least they are fit.’
“[However, Leeds were] among the bottom three [in fitness statistics]. The two managers following Bielsa allowed the physical metrics to fall into the Premier League’s bottom three.
“I believed: ‘If we are in the top six, at least we are fit enough to remain competitive and organize ourselves.’
“I recall when I managed West Brom, [Bielsa’s Leeds] were still performing at the same pace in the last 20 minutes as they did in the first 20 minutes.”
Marsch countered on social media, sharing data that showed Leeds, during his leadership, ranked No. 1 in the league for distance covered, meters run, high-speed sprints, high-speed runs, and total sprints.
He added, in response to Allardyce’s remarks: “Really?”
He replied to a critical supporter: “Game week 1-20. Learn to read, pal.”
Marsch acknowledged another fan who told him: “It’s okay, Jesse. You don’t need to respond. They are not worth it.”
Another Leeds supporter commented to Marsch: “Nobody cares about your or Big Sam’s opinions; the relegation speaks for itself.”
To which Marsch responded: “Except we kept the team up.”
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Marsch’s Leeds secured their place in the Premier League on the final day of the 2020-21 season by defeating Brentford, with goals from Raphinha and Jack Harrison.
This victory is famously associated with a shirtless Raphinha celebrating with the away supporters before finalizing a transfer to Barcelona.
Former England manager Allardyce has not managed another team since Leeds’ relegation. Marsch, on the other hand, is currently the coach of Canada as they prepare for the World Cup they will co-host.
