Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch makes strong Newcastle United, Man City & Chelsea ‘money’ claim

Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch’s view on Eddie Howe and Newcastle United’s spending power.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch has praised the job Eddie Howe has carried out at Newcastle United - but insists “money is always helpful”.

The Whites visit St James’ Park on New Year’s Eve (kick-off 3pm) with United currently sitting 12 positions higher and 18 points better off than their visitors in the Premier League table.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Under the club’s Saudi Arabian-backed owners and Howe, the Magpies have gone from strength to strength over the last 12 months - rising from relegation to Champions League contenders.

Marsch doesn’t necessarily buy into the narrative that Newcastle’s success is down to the £210million spent on new players in 2022, though he does believe it is a factor, something his side can’t compete with.

“Money is always helpful,” Marsch said. “You don’t want to slight the job Eddie (Howe) has done, because he has done an amazing job but we all know in this world of football it’s something that’s different from American sports.

Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)
Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch. (Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images)

“We have salary caps and everyone has a chance when the season starts. I’m sorry, but the way European football works, that’s just not the case.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“So how do you build? One is a process and continuing to invest every penny the right way, which is what we are trying to do, and another one is a massive influx of money. Take Chelsea 20 years ago, take Newcastle now, take Manchester City 15 years ago. It’s a difference-maker.

“I know we are tasked in this league to compete with teams such as Man City, Chelsea, Liverpool, but our true competitors are the mid-table, bottom-of-the-table teams and to try to do better than we have done against them. That’s the reality.

“It’s not just about money, but certainly it’s a factor. In almost any league around the world, you are always going to see teams at the top that are typically the ones that spend the most.”

Newcastle’s 1-0 win at Leeds in January is often referred to as the turning point for Howe’s side as they put together an extraordinary run to retain their English top-flight status.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Since that afternoon, Howe’s men have picked up 70 points, more than double the amount Leeds have.

“We’re in for a really tough match,” said Marsch. “They have a very good team and a lot of players are at a high quality right now. You don’t get to the top of the table without having a lot of quality in this league, so it will be a challenge.

“They are well coached, well organised, dynamic. It’s hard to say if they will win the title, I think it’s really competitive this year. There’s lots of good teams. This league is brutal.”

Related topics: