Jesse Marsch claims his relationship with Victor Orta caused him to become a Leeds United "supporter" in recent years.
The American was confirmed as the Whites’ new manager on Monday and his immediate task is to keep the club in the Premier League.
A decision to sack Marcelo Bielsa divided the fanbase, with the Argentine holding a special place in Leeds fans’ hearts after guiding the club back to the top flight after a 16-year hiatus.
While avoiding relegation to the Championship is the immediate focus, Orta spoke about a ‘long-term plan’ upon Marsch’s appointment, and revealed he has been keeping tabs on the 48-year-old for several years.
Now, in his first interview as Leeds manager, Marsch confirmed that he had already met the director of football and has followed the club’s fortunes ever since.
“Victor Orta and I made casual contact a couple of years ago and I liked his style right away, I liked his passion,” he told Sky Sports.
“At the time I had my own jobs and my own concerns, but over time as we've got to know each other more and more I've become more and more a Leeds supporter and I've followed the team more and more.
“Watching the transformation of the team from a Championship side to a Premier League side has been really interesting.
“Again, I believe that the potential of this team and the club is still very very high and I'm excited to undertake the project and really get my hands dirty in everything.”
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