In an unexpected turn of events, Leeds head coach Jesse Marsch has taken up a new temporary position as a writer for The Athletic during the World Cup, as announced this morning.
Marsch finds himself featured amongst various other footballing figures, including Demba Ba, Ryan Babel, Sam Mewis, Mauricio Pochettino, Juanma Lillo, Ben Mee, Clint Dempsey, Antonio Valencia, Chloe Morgan, Yaya Toure and Leah Williamson.
Several of the American’s players have been selected to play in the tournament, such as US duo Brendan Aaronson and Tyler Adams, Denmark international Rasmus Kristensen and Welshman Dan James.
Presumably, Marsch and his fellow commentators have been brought in on a temporary basis to pass judgment on the World Cup’s key talking points.
For Marsch, the biggest point of discussion will undoubtedly be the US’s group stage game with England on 25th November, a group stage rematch after the American side drew 1-1 with the Three Lions in the South African edition of the tournament in 2010. This was a match in which Marsch featured as assistant manager for the USA squad, as the US ultimately topped a group comprised of England, Slovenia and Algeria.
Marsch will no doubt be hoping for a repeat of these events in Qatar, whilst also keeping a keen eye on how all of his players perform on the international stage.