Leeds United’s decision to hire Jesse Marsch as Marcelo Bielsa’s successor could be a ‘massive boost’ for striker Joe Gelhardt, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

Bielsa was relieved of his duties following four consecutive defeats in what Andrea Radrizzani described as the ‘toughest decision’ he has had to make as chairman of the club.

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The west Yorkshire outfit’s hierarchy wasted no time in appointing the hugely popular tactician’s replacement, though, announcing Marsch’s arrival on a three-and-a-half-year deal just two days later.

It marks the beginning of a new era in Leeds’s history, and director of football Victor Orta revealed upon his unveiling that the 48-year-old boss is someone who they ‘identified a number of years ago’.

Orta went on to state that the Elland Road outfit believe Marsch’s ‘philosophy and style of football aligns with that of the club’ and will ‘suit the players very well’.

The American head coach has had success working within the Red Bull framework of clubs throughout his career, claiming the 2014/15 Supporters Shield with New York before winning two domestic doubles at Salzburg.

However, his ill-fated spell in charge of RB Leipzig lasted just 20 games before he was dismissed, with the German outfit languishing in 11th position in the Bundesliga table at the time of his departure.

Yet Marsch is unlikely to waver from his distinct tactical setup at Leeds, something that could prove to be extremely beneficial for Gelhardt.

What has O’Rourke said about Gelhardt?

Like most managers who have come through the Red Bull system, Marsch favours a 4-2-2-2 formation, fast, vertical passes and high, intense pressing.

This preferred formation allows two strikers to be on the pitch at once, something that rarely happened under Bielsa throughout his time in the Leeds dugout.

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The South American instead opted predominantly for a 4-2-3-1 or 4-1-4-1 setup, with Patrick Bamford his first-choice striker when fit.

And although Bielsa awarded Gelhardt his first-team debut this season, the 19-year-old still only has two Premier League starts to his name, something O’Rourke believes could be about to change following the arrival of Marsch.

He told GiveMeSport: “I think it could be a massive boost for Joe Gelhardt especially. When he's played, I think he's done quite well for Leeds as well.”

Can Leeds avoid relegation?

Leeds are currently sitting just two points outside the relegation zone after picking up one point from a possible 18 in recent weeks.

In Marsch’s first three games at the helm, the Whites face Leicester, Aston Villa and Norwich, a trio of sides also in the bottom half of the Premier League table.

The new boss will surely be aiming to pick up some positive results in those fixtures, and they could have a big bearing over their final position come May.