They resonate with me: Leeds coach Marsch finds inspiration in Gandhi and Ali before stiff relegation battle
India Today
Leeds United have lost two games in succession and are currently placed in the bottom three of the Premier League. They have three more matches to go and need to win if they wish to stay in the PL.
Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch is hoping to raise the morale of his team as they prepare for a tough relegation battle in the Premier League. Leeds are placed in the 18th position of the league table and are in a stiff battle with Burnley for the final relegation spot. With three more matches to go in their Premier League campaign, head coach Marsch said that he is drawing inspiration from the likes of Mahatma Gandhi, Muhammad Ali and Mother Teresa to motivate his players.
The American, who took charge of Leeds in March following Marcelo Bielsa's dismissal, faces a daunting task to keep the 18th-placed team in top flight football. They have 34 points from 35 games, the same as 17th-placed Burnley, who have a better goal difference. Everton, in 16th place, have 35 points, having played one game less.
"I have hundreds of quotes I use at different moments," Marsch told reporters, adding that the likes of NBA icon Michael Jordan, former Chicago Bulls coach Phil Jackson and American football coaching great Vince Lombardi also inspire him.
"I try to think how they fit with who I am and how we play football," he added. "I love quotes, learning from people of the past. Sports figures, historical figures, whatever. The key is understanding what messages to use at the right time."
Marsch said France's 1998 World Cup winners and the 2008 American Olympics basketball champions also inspired him.
"I love basketball culture in America," Marsch added. "The way they combine inner-city kids with university graduates and incredible mentors is amazing.
"I use things that resonate with me... there are historical figures, Gandhi, Mother Teresa, presidents like John F Kennedy."
