‘It felt like we won a title’ - Jesse Marsch reveals 'pride' he had in Leeds side that sported USMNT stars Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams and Brenden Aaronson before eventual sacking

Speaking to The Telegraph, Marsch revealed the "pride" he had in his group at Elland Road, which included USMNT stars Weston McKennie, Tyler Adams and Brenden Aaronson. He added that he believes that, during his time there, they were on-track to avoid relegation. He also feels his team were playing well and "deserved more" from results, adding that "stress" on decision-makers at the club forced his shock sacking.

“I agree we should have won more games than we did,” Marsch said. “Even though from the outside it looked like the team wasn’t as good as it should have been. We were in control of more matches and weren’t getting the points we frankly deserved. That is what put stress on the environment and that is what put stress on the decision-makers in the club. In terms of what the work was like, and what it was like to be with the team, and the passion, work ethic and commitment from the group, it was outstanding.”

“I don’t think we ever played perfect football,” he added. “At that moment it was more of a psychological project than it was anything else. That part, along with the training and ideas, I’m really proud of – and that we managed the situation. It felt like we won a title.”

“I felt after the World Cup our progress was starting to take hold,” he explained. “If you look at metrics you can see the team was really starting to come together. If we get a couple more wins the stress levels are different and the pressures on decision-makers are different. I think we were on track to finish the season strong. When those decisions [on his sacking] get made, you’ve to accept them, hard as it is. And then you have to figure out how to move on with relationships and your life and your profession.”

When Marsch was sacked, Leeds were 17th in the Premier League, sitting outside the relegation zone. However, they were winless in seven leading up to it, with the American being removed after a 1-0 loss to Nottingham Forest. Nearly one-year on, though, Marsch believes they were on-track and that his removal was premature.

The American coach is currently a free agent, while spending his time in Italy as a Champions League correspondent for CBS Sports. He recently admitted to the UCL crew on-air that he aims for a return to Europe eventually, but is enjoying his role as a a talent for the media company at the moment.