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Oliver Jones

Richard Keys slams former Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch after Leicester talks break down

Former Sky Sports pundit Richard Keys has slammed former Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch after talks between him and Leicester City broke down over the weekend.

The American was reportedly 'not convinced' by the Foxes' performance in their 1-0 loss to Bournemouth on Saturday afternoon and therefore decided to cut off talks despite them being in an advanced stage.

This marks the second time that Marsch has turned down an offer to stay in the Premier League and manage one of Leeds' relegation rivals, having turned down an offer from Southampton after they sacked Nathan Jones in February - something Keys can't understand.

READ MORE: Leeds United relegation rivals Leicester City in 'absolute panic' with Dean Smith appointment

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"Marsch overcame the language barrier! He talked of ‘football’ not ‘soccer’. Of ‘away games’ not ‘road trips’. So no stick to beat him with there," he wrote on his website.

"But I’d love it if someone would explain to me how it is that a man, recently sacked by a club battling for their PL lives, has the temerity to turn down two offers to stay in England and continue to work in the PL? Marsch must really rate himself.

"Ok. Southampton - a great club by the way and a gorgeous area to live and work in - apparently only wanted to employ Marsch until the end of the season. So nothing permanent. Maybe Marsch felt that was too much of a gamble, but if he’s as good as he clearly thinks he is, he’d have kept them up wouldn’t he?

"No sooner had he said ‘no’ - Leicester came along. Leicester - recent FA Cup winners and former PL champions. Another great club, with a training centre second to none.

"We’re told terms were all but agreed on a 3-year deal, but then Marsch watched the defeat by Bournemouth - and after a ‘long consultation’ with his coaches he decided to back away - and I’m quoting from what I’ve read - Marsch didn’t want to work in the Championship next season.

"Who does he think he is? Seriously. What is Marsch waiting for? I don’t see him getting another offer to work in the PL."

Since the breakdown, the Foxes have opted to hire former Aston Villa manager Dean Smith who has come into the club alongside coaches Craig Shakespeare and John Terry to try and keep them in the Premier League.

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