HE has called the links to Celtic an ‘honour’, is viewed as one of Europe’s most exciting young coaches and even has a daughter studying in Glasgow.
On the surface Jesse Marsch seems a perfect fit for Celtic. Rumours have grown substantially in the last 24 hours of a potential move to Glasgow after the RB Salzburg manager opened up on reports linking him to Parkhead.
READ MORE: RB Salzburg boss Jesse Marsch registers interest in Celtic job and admits it would be an 'honour'
The departure of Neil Lennon has accelerated what will be a summer of change for Celtic. A new manager, chief executive and potentially director of football are set to join. Eddie Howe, Roy Keane and Enzo Maresca have all been linked with the job.
Some pundits have encouraged Celtic to go for a left-field appointment as they seek to claw back the gap established by Rangers this year. And Marsch seems to gain widespread approval due to his proven track record in the game, modern footballing philosophy and attraction to the Celtic job.
So, who is Marsch? Is he suitable for the Celtic job? And is it a distinct possibility that he could end up at Parkhead next season?
What is his coaching background?
Having spent the entirety of his playing career in the MLS, playing for the likes of DC united and Chicago Fire, his first foray into the dugout was as assistant manager to the USA men’s football team. He had a brief stint with Montreal Impact before landing the New York Red Bulls job in 2015.
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He spent three years with NY before moving to Germany, where he was assistant manager at RB Leipzig, Red Bull’s German side. That in turn led to his current job, as the manager of RB Salzburg.
What is he best known for?
Marsch has really made his name since taking over in Austria, winning a league and cup double in his first season and also making strides in the Champions League.
Salzburg played out an enthralling 4-3 encounter with then European Champions Liverpool at Anfield in 2019.
Salzburg hammered Genk 6-2 and 4-1 in their 2019 group stage and after drawing both Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich in this year’s competition, finished third in their group to progress to the Europa League knock-out rounds.
Crucially, Marsch managed what Celtic have not in recent years, by making it through the Champions League qualification stages. Celtic need a manager who can help them reach the heights of previous European campaigns and Marsch ticks that box.
What style of football do his teams play?
The Red Bull footballing franchise is renowned for bringing through elite players. Sadio Mane, Erling Halland, Naby Keita and Timo Werner are just some of the names that have been developed.
The style of play attributed with all Red Bull sides has large similarities. A good example of this in British football can be found at Southampton, where former RB Leipzig manager Ralph Hasenhuttl deploys a narrow 4-4-2 formation which focuses on vertical passing and high pressing.
Marsch’s philosophy is highly dependent on counter-pressing, the act of pressing an opponent immediately after possession has been turned over. The premise being, if you can win the ball back while your opponents are setting up for an attack, they are more vulnerable.
Under his management, Salzburg have deployed numerous formations. But whether they line up in a 4-4-2, 4-3-1-2 or 5-3-2 the emphasis on intensity and pressure remain. Celtic at times this season have severely lacked an identity and have come unstuck against well-drilled European sides, unlike city rivals Rangers. Marsch would ensure that would not be the case.
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"When I train the team I am not training the team to be good against some of the lower teams that we play against in the Austrian league," he explained to Sky Sports last year. "I always have something in mind about playing Bayern Munich or Liverpool, the best teams in the world.”
How likely is the move?
Speaking to the BBC, Marsch called the possibility of a move to Celtic an honour.
"Three or four years ago, being linked with a club like Celtic would literally be an impossibility for me,” he said.
"It's an amazing club and it would be an honour to even be considered. But I also have a job to do here.”
The 47-year-old is under contract in Austria until next year and has been heavily linked with a move to the Bundesliga. That is his more likely destination according to Derek Rae, ESPN’s lead Bundesliga commentator.
Don’t want to be a killjoy but Jesse Marsch is likely to be spoiled for choice soon. A domino effect situation in 🇩🇪 means he could have the choice of some very big Bundesliga coaching jobs this summer backed by successful sporting divisions. Being linked with Celtic helps that.
— Derek Rae (@RaeComm) March 17, 2021
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