Jesse Marsch celebrates
Southampton managerial front-runner Jesse Marsch is desperate to prove himself in the Premier League, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.
The Lowdown: Marsch close?
In the wake of Nathan Jones’ dismissal, The Athletic claimed that Marsch was under consideration for the manager’s job, given that he has recently lost his job at fellow Premier League side Leeds United.
The Southampton board look to have taken that initial interest one step further, with The Telegraph reporting that the former Leeds boss has already been interviewed and The Athletic even saying a deal is practically done on Tuesday morning.
The Latest: Jones reacts
In an interview with GiveMeSport, Jones claims that the 49-year-old has been a subject of interest from the Saints for a substantial period of time, also revealing the manager ‘fits’ what the club wants and has a ‘passion’ to test his mettle in England.
“We know Jesse Marsch has long been admired. He fits the criteria that they look for in a manager and they’ve considered him before.
“I think Jesse Marsch still, more than ever, has a passion to show that he can succeed in European football and particularly in the Premier League.”
The Verdict: Get it done?
The American was lauded as ‘brilliant’ by the media at the back end of the 2021/22 campaign, and although he may have been sacked from his last job, there are indications that he would still be a good appointment for Southampton.
Given that the former Red Bull Salzburg boss has so recently managed in the Premier League, he will possess a good knowledge of the opponents that the Saints are set to come up against, and a deal may not be difficult to orchestrate, as he is said to have remained in England.
While things did not work out on a long-term basis for Marsch in west Yorkshire, he did manage to keep Leeds in the top flight last season, so he has the experience and know-how required in a relegation dogfight.
Whoever Southampton choose to bring in, they should look to complete the deal as soon as possible, with a tough fixture away at Chelsea to contend with next weekend, which could leave them cut adrift if they suffer another defeat.
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