Jesse Marsch struggles to get RB Leipzig going after Celtic summer links

By Euan Davidson

September 29, 2021

Jesse Marsch was a name that created a fair level of excitement for Celtic fans this summer.

Before Ange Postecoglou was handed the Bhoys’ top job, Marsch dominated headlines for a good week in the summer. It was hype generated largely by Marsch himself, who spoke of the honour of being linked with the club.

Then, a couple of days later, Marsch contacted Celtic to say he wouldn’t be applying for the job.

The likeable American coach ended up at RB Leipzig, where he used to be an assistant manager. Taking over from current Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann, much was expected of the acclaimed tactician.

However, it’s not gone entirely to plan. Forbes report that the Red Bull franchise club spent over $118m in the Summer window, but results haven’t matched the expenditure.

There have been a couple of good moments; namely, walloping Stuttgart and Hertha Berlin. But there’s been plenty more to concern the Leipzig board and supporters. They’ve lost 2 of 2 in the Champions League, with Manchester City and Club Brugge taking advantage of tactical uncertainty.

In the league, they sit 10th, with 2 wins from 7 games [Bundesliga]. In the Forbes report, Transfermarkt chief Manuel Veth describes their style as being locked somewhere between Nagelsmann and Marsch, in an uncomfortable strategic no-man’s-land.

It’s not been a great time for Marsch, then.

Jesse Marsch can still turn things around, but he’s another example of how tough it can be for new managers

Amongst those linked with Celtic in the summer, it isn’t just Jesse Marsch struggling.

Enzo Maresca, now at Parma, was expected to lead an assault on Serie A, having joined after the club’s relegation to the second tier. So far, not so much; the historic, troubled club sit 13th after 6 games [ESPN].

Like Postecoglou, Marsch and Maresca are educated, idealistic coaches who want to imprint their version of football on a squad.

All three, any of whom would’ve represented exciting appointments, are going through tough periods of adjustment at new clubs.

Because often, that’s the reality of it. All three have ample time to turn things around if given the requisite time, with boards who would’ve known what they were getting into.

Change is difficult. But patience is even more tricky. Will RB Leipzig and Parma stick with their new managers?

Read more: Ex-Celtic youngster Leo Hjelde captains Leeds U23s and earns rave review