NEW Leeds boss Jesse Marsch has cited comedy series Ted Lasso as a reason why it is hard for American managers in football.
Speaking ahead of his first match in charge versus Leicester, Marsch said, “There’s probably a stigma. I’m not sure Ted Lasso helped.”
He is just the second American manager to take charge of a Premier League club after Bob Bradley’s eleven-game spell at Swansea in 2016.
Marsch, the former Red Bull Salzburg and RB Leipzig boss, believes people in the US using the word ‘soccer’ hasn’t helped.
He said: “People hate hearing the word soccer.
“I’ve used the word football since I was a professional player. We’re adapting to the culture in this country.”
Funnily, one of the reasons Americans may not be taken seriously as football managers could be down to Apple TV hit show Ted Lasso.
The award winning series is about an American with no football knowledge taking over an English football club because the owner wants to spite her ex-husband.
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Marsh admitted: “I haven’t watched the show but I get it.”
The stigma regarding American coaches has been heightened by rumours that Manchester United players have mocked their assistant coach Chris Armas with Ted Lasso comparisons.
Leeds’ new manager Marsch will have to battle stereotype while the 48-year-old attempts to keep the Yorkshire side in the Premier League.
He will also face winning over fans who were devastated by the departure of popular Marcelo Bielsa.
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