Jesse Marsch is set be in the Southampton dugout against his former club having been hired to replace Nathan Jones a matter of days after being sacked by Leeds.
The 49-year-old has reportedly held an initial round of talks with the Saints, in which contract length was discussed, with just four days till their trip to Stamford Bridge to play Chelsea – a week before heading to Elland Road.
The Athletic report that the club are keen to act fast in their quest to secure Premier League survival, with eyes on having Marsch in the role before their next fixture.
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The former Red Bull Salzburg and RB Leipzig boss was dismissed by Leeds on February 6 with the club sitting 17th in the table after four wins from 20 fixtures.
Leeds currently sit four points above bottom of the table Southampton, who sacked Jones on February 12th after losing at home to 10-man Wolves at the weekend.
Marsch was hired in February of last year and had the tricky task of replacing fan favourite Marcelo Bielsa who led the club back to the top flight after 16 seasons.
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(Image: Getty Images)
(Image: Getty Images)
Having kept them in the Premier League, their poor form at the start of 2022/23 piled pressure on the former United States midfielder, who the club have wished well.
It didn’t take Jones as long to face the chop at St Mary’s, with nine defeats from his first 14 matches leading to the second sacking of his career.
The club said as part of a short statement: “Southampton Football Club can confirm it has parted company with Men’s First Team Manager Nathan Jones.”
(Image: Southampton FC via Getty Images)
The Saints also told fans that coach Ruben Selles would take charge of training and prepare the team ahead of their clash against Chelsea.
The team currently sit four points clear of safety with 16 fixtures remaining, having been in the top-flight since back-to-back promotions under Nigel Adkins in 2010 and 2011.
After Chelsea, Marsch and his side will take on former club Leeds at Elland Road before an FA Cup contest against Grimsby Town.
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