'With all due respect': Paul Merson makes Leeds claim as Jesse Marsch takes reins

Paul Merson believes Leeds United now “have a chance” of beating Leicester this weekend in wake of Jesse Marsch’s appointment.

The Whites sacked Marcelo Bielsa last weekend, following a poor run of form which included several heavy losses.

Last Saturday, Leeds fell to a 4-0 defeat at the hands of Tottenham at Elland Road.

It marked the fifth Premier League game in a row where the Whites conceded three or more goals in one match.

In addition, Leeds have lost their last four in the top flight, and looked to be free-falling towards the bottom three.

Marsch’s immediate task will be to steer the Elland Road outfit away from the drop zone.

The 48-year-old boasts plenty of top-level experience, having managed Red Bull Salzburg and RB Leipzig.

Marsch is also expected to stick with parts of the Bielsa blueprint, whilst making some necessary tweaks.

His preferred 4-2-2-2 formation makes use of two holding midfielders, as well as having two up front.

Already this looks like something Leeds need, both in terms of protecting the back four and for more bite in attack.

“With all due respect to Marcelo Bielsa…”

Leeds are away at Leicester this weekend in another early Saturday kickoff.

Merson says he’d have tipped the Foxes to beat Leeds “quite easily” were Bielsa still in charge.

He feels it’s now a “different game of football” – but despite this, he feels Brendan Rodgers’ charges will still win.

“This is a different game of football with Jesse Marsch taking over the reins at Elland Road,” he wrote on Sportskeeda.

“A week or two ago, I’d have said Leicester City would win quite easily, but now, Leeds United have a chance.

“It’ll be interesting to see how the new manager conveys his ideas in a short span of time, because Leeds need points on the board immediately.

“With all due respect to Marcelo Bielsa, the managerial change had to be made as they were on a bit of a slippery slope in the Premier League.

“Jamie Vardy is back for Leicester City and that could well turn out to be a huge boost, so I’m backing the home side to win this one.”