Southampton ponder Marsch appointment while Leeds target spotted at Elland Road

12 February 2023 , 20:58

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Jesse Marsch could be set for a swift return to management with Southampton (Image: Getty Images)

Jesse Marsch is in contention to replace Nathan Jones at Southampton - less than a week after the American was relieved of his duties by Leeds.

Marsch, 49, was sacked on Monday after less than a year in charge. His dismissal came just 24 hours after Leeds fell to a disappointing 1-0 defeat against Nottingham Forest last weekend. That result left the club languishing in 17th spot in the Premier League - just one place above the relegation zone.

But Marsch could be in line for a swift return to the dugout after fellow strugglers Southampton also decided to make a managerial change following Saturday's defeat against 10-man Wolves.

According to The Athletic, Marsch is seen as a contender to fill the vacancy at St. Marys' after Jones' three-month reign came to a brutal end on Sunday. The former Luton Town chief lost eight of his nine Premier League matches at the helm and had seriously irked the Saints fanbase with some bizarre comments in press conferences.

Marsch, who has not yet returned to the United States after being dismissed by Leeds, has been admired by the south coast outfit before the arrival of Sport Republic, who purchased the club back in January 2022.

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There are marked similarities between Marsch and Ralph Hassenhuttl, who enjoyed a four-year stint at the club before he was sacked in November, in terms of pressing styles and systems which could enable the former Leeds head coach to hit the ground running.

Intriguingly, Leeds face Southampton in two weeks times - meaning that Marsch could come face-to-face with his old club sooner rather than later if he is tasked with saving the Saints from relegation.

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Former Ajax head coach Alfred Schreuder was in attendance at Elland Road on Sunday as Leeds lost against Manchester United (Getty Images)

While Marsch is being courted by another Premier League club, Leeds have identified former Ajax head coach Alfred Schreuder to fill the void left by their old boss.

Schreuder was appointed by the Amsterdam giants as Erik ten Hag's successor after he was lured to Manchester United. However, the Dutchman's reign was short-lived and he was relieved of his duties a fortnight ago following a string of underwhelming results.

The Athletic also revealed that the 50-year-old was in attendance for Sunday's match against Manchester United, which ended in a 2-0 defeat. U21 coach Michael Skubala was once again at the helm at the weekend, but Leeds are desperate to finalise a permanent appointment before next weekend's crunch six-pointer against Everton - who only appointed ex-Burnley boss Sean Dyche a fortnight ago.

Leeds are expected to hold talks with Schreuder over the coming days after encountering a number of difficulties in their pursuit of other targets: including Ray Vallecano boss Andoni Iraola and Carlos Corberan, a former assistant of ex-Elland Road favourite Marcelo Bielsa.

Dan Marsh