Despite the deal nearing completion, Jesse Marsch is not taking on the Leicester managerial job. On Sunday, experts claimed the American was on the verge of taking over at the King Power. However, by Monday morning, the deal collapsed, and new contenders for the job began to come out.
Leicester likely targeted the American as a result of his success last season with Leeds United. Arriving in late February, Marsch guided Leeds past a tough relegation scrap. However, in his first full season as a manager in England, Marsch struggled. Leeds sacked the American in early February with the club, once again, in the thick of the relegation battle.
That is where Leicester finds itself now. The Foxes fired Brendan Rodgers in early April after five-consecutive losses that left the club one spot from bottom in the table. Disappointment is an understatement based on the situation at Leicester this campaign. Over the past five seasons, Leicester’s worst finish in the table was eighth. The Foxes won the league just seven seasons ago.
For time, it appeared Leicester turned to Marsch, which did surprise some pundits. In attendance for Leicester City’s loss to Bournemouth, the contracts were on the table for Marsch. Yet, he walked away. It is the second time contracts fell through for Marsch at a Premier League club this season, after Southampton effectively lost its relationship with the manager.
Leicester turns from Jesse Marsch to other candidates for job
Now that Marsch may be out of the picture, the door is open for other potential managers. According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, one name circling around is Rafa Benitez, former manager at Liverpool, Everton, Chelsea and Newcastle.
However, other reports indicate Dean Smith may be the next name at the King Power Stadium. The former manager at Aston Villa and more recently Norwich City is apparently in discussion with Leicester over a potential contract.
The other candidates are familiar names in English soccer lore. Oscar Garcia, Ralph Hassenhuttl and Martin O’Neill are just some of the names on the rumor mill.
PHOTO: IMAGO / PA Images
