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Southampton’s offer to Jesse Marsch was outrageous – Former top-flight star

By Dakir Thanveer

ACCRINGTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 28: Jesse Marsch, manager of Leeds United, during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Accrington Stanley and Leeds United at Wham Stadium on January 28, 2023 in Accrington, England. (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
ACCRINGTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 28: Jesse Marsch, manager of Leeds United, during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Accrington Stanley and Leeds United at Wham Stadium on January 28, 2023 in Accrington, England. (Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images) /
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Former top-flight midfielder John Giles has launched an attack on Southampton for their ‘outrageous’ offer to managerial candidate Jesse Marsch.

The Saints were hopeful of bringing in Marsch as their new manager in time for their trip to Chelsea this weekend. It was claimed that they were set to name the American as their replacement for Nathan Jones.

However, it then emerged that Southampton’s talks to hire the former Leeds United manager as their new boss had broken down. It is widely believed that Marsch turned down the opportunity as he was not pleased with the length of the contract.

The Hampshire-based club’s initial offer was reportedly a six-month deal with an option to extend it further. Giles has now ripped into the Premier League club for the same.

The former Leeds midfielder expressed his discontent at Southampton’s approach in the talks. He explained that one cannot blame Marsch for walking away from the deal. He said on Off The Ball:

"“What they were saying was, ‘If you keep us up, then we’ll extend the contract’. So, what they were saying was, ‘If you don’t keep us up, you’re gone!’.”“That’s not the way to do it. I don’t blame him for walking away from that. What they want is a miracle for him to get an extension on his contract.”"

Giles went on to label the Saints’ offer to Marsch as ‘outrageous’. He added:

"“If they’re really serious, in my opinion, what they should do is get a manager and appoint him now for at least 12-18 months, in other words, this season and the rest of next season.”“I think it’s outrageous to do what they’ve done with Marsch to say come down because I think he was under the impression he was going to get a contract at least until next season.”"

Southampton blasted for their offer to Marsch

The Irishman continued his rant at the St. Mary’s outfit by suggesting that they disrespected Marsch. He said:

"“They’re in a very, very difficult position as we know, Southampton, but to say to somebody coming in, ‘Okay, we’ll take you on, but it’s only for six months’.”“That’s no offer. I don’t blame him for turning that down.”"

While the length of the contract was a sticking point, it was not the only reason Marsch turned down a move to St. Mary’s. According to reports, he felt that the timing was off, having only recently been sacked as Leeds manager.

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