It ‘wasn’t just’ Leeds United’s Director of Football Victor Orta who was keen to appoint Jesse Marsch as Marcelo Bielsa’s successor, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The 48-year-old replaced the hugely popular Bielsa at the start of March following a run of five defeats in six games, arriving to a mixed response following his previous exploits.

What is the latest news involving Marsch?

After a stint as the USA assistant manager and a 36-game spell in charge of Montreal Impact, Marsch was brought into the Red Bull network of clubs in 2015.

His first role was as the boss of New York where he claimed the MLS Supporters Shield in his maiden campaign at the helm before working under Ralf Rangnick at RB Leipzig for a season in 2018/19.

Once his time with the ‘Godfather of Gegenpressing’ was over, Marsch was handed the reins of Austrian champions Salzburg for two terms, claiming a domestic double in both of his seasons at the helm.

As a result, he was then announced as Leipzig's new manager last summer but was unable to replicate his previous success with the Bundesliga outfit and was dismissed after just 20 games in charge.

Yet Marsch wasn’t out of work for long. With Bielsa’s position becoming untenable, the Leeds hierarchy dismissed the innovative Argentine and moved quickly to bring in his replacement.

Cristiano Ronaldo MASTERCLASS as Man United beat Spurs 3-2! Full reaction on The Football Terrace...

Speaking about Marsch’s appointment, Orta said: "We are delighted to welcome Jesse to the club and excited for him to lead us into this new chapter.

"Jesse is someone we identified a number of years ago during his time at Red Bull Salzburg, and we believe his philosophy and style of football aligns with that of the club and will suit the players very well.”

What has Jones said about Marsch?

Despite Orta’s open praise for Marsch and admittance that he’s someone who he was tracking for quite some time, Jones has revealed that other senior figures at Leeds were keen on his appointment.

He told GiveMeSport: “It wasn't just Orta that wanted Jesse Marsch. You know, there were other people around him.”

How has Marsch fared so far?

It was a tricky start for Marsch at Elland Road, with his opening two games ending in disappointing defeats at the hands of Leicester City and Aston Villa.

However, Joe Gelhardt’s 90+4^th minute winner against rock bottom Norwich City last time out has given Leeds fresh hope of staying above the relegation zone.

Only four points separate Leeds and 18^th-placed Watford, but the Whites will be hoping to build some momentum off the back of their positive result last time out and climb up the top-flight table.