Leeds United took a huge 'gamble' by tasking Jesse Marsch with guiding the Whites out of a Premier League relegation dogfight, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.
Marsch was appointed as the Yorkshire giants' new head coach just 24 hours after cult figure Marcelo Bielsa had been sacked at the end of last month.
What's the latest news involving Marsch?
After handing Marsch the managerial reins, Leeds director of football Victor Orta revealed the American had been on the club hierarchy's radar for a prolonged period of time and the key decision-makers behind-the-scenes felt his 'philosophy and style of football aligns with that of the club and will suit the players very well'.
However, Marsch has been unable to turn the Whites' fortunes around since his appointment, with the Elland Road outfit being condemned to two consecutive defeats by Leicester City and Aston Villa.
The 3-0 setback at the hands of Villa would have been particularly difficult for the former RB Leipzig boss to take as, just 80 seconds into his first home match at the helm, Leeds fans chanted the name of predecessor Bielsa.
Marsch admitted his side played with 'fear' and were 'shambolic' during the first half but was keen to praise the support from the Elland Road stands.
Whites managing director Angus Kinnear has urged fans to remain united and get behind Marsch to give themselves 'every chance of fulfilling our collective ambition to make Leeds United great again'.
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What has Pete O'Rourke said about Marsch?
O'Rourke believes Leeds took a major risk by turning to Marsch after axing Bielsa as the American headed to Elland Road without any English top flight experience.
The journalist also feels starting his reign with back-to-back defeats will not have helped the 48-year-old as he looks to make an impression on the fans who adored his predecessor.
O'Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: "The only thing for me is it was a gamble because he had never managed in the Premier League before.
"Coming in at such a crucial juncture of the season, with 12 games to go, he needed to hit the ground running to try and win over those Leeds fans who were so loyal to Bielsa."
Can Marsch keep Leeds in the Premier League?
Marsch has never been involved in a relegation battle, having managed in Major League Soccer - where dropping out of the division does not exist - and high-flying European sides Red Bull Salzburg and RB Leipzig.
Leeds are currently just two points clear of the bottom three and tomorrow's home clash with fellow strugglers Norwich City could go a long way towards deciding where the Whites will be situated next season.
The Yorkshire giants also still have to face the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City and Arsenal before the campaign reaches its climax, but they need to arrest their six-match losing run quickly.