Newly-appointed Leeds United manager Jesse Marsh says sports comedy-drama series 'Ted Lasso' hasn't helped dispel the stigma about American coaches working in England, but the 48-year-old continues to be successful with his new club. are determined to.
The highly popular 'Ted Lasso', who won multiple Emmys in 2021, chronicles a spirited American coach trying to rally a struggling English team.
Marsh, who replaced Marcelo Bilsa at Leeds this week, is the only American manager in charge of a Premier League side this season.
"Yeah, I think there's probably a stigma," Marsh told reporters on Thursday. "I'm not sure Ted Lasso helped. I haven't seen the show, but I get it. People hate hearing the word 'soccer.'
"In more and more (United States) states, we are adapting to the game here in England ... I can understand that they don't think we have the kind of experience that can be built here in Europe. Frankly, So they are right.
“That was the reason I came to Europe, learned German and tried to adapt to a new culture. This is the fifth country in which I have coached football and it takes me out of my comfort zone at times, allowing me to grow and develop. challenges to learn new things."
Marsh previously led Red Bull Salzburg in Austria in two league and cup doubles before joining Bundesliga side RB Leipzig. They face a tough challenge at Leeds, who have been in free fall since December.
The Yorkshire club are 16th in the league, two points above the relegation zone.
"The only way I know how to do things is to help people make the most of what we're doing every day," Marsh said.
"Sounds like Ted Lasso from what I've heard!"
Marsh's first game in charge will be a league trip to Leicester City on Saturday.