With ambitions for Europe, Jesse Marsch finally looks to be well on his way abroad.
The Red Bulls announced that Marsch has left the club to “pursue other opportunities” with reports suggesting that Marsch is on his way to parent club RB Leipzig in Germany. Assistant coach Chris Armas has been promoted to fill Marsch’s position.
“We are fully supportive of Jesse and his decision to pursue a new opportunity,” Red Bulls Sporting Director Denis Hamlett said in a statement. “Jesse played a large role in establishing our club identity, but the culture here is the result of the dedication and hard work of many. We are confident in Chris Armas. We know Chris and the coaching staff will have our team ready to compete each week, and they will continue to find ways to improve and work towards our ultimate goal of winning MLS Cup.”
Hired in 2015, Marsch became the winningest coach in Red Bulls history across his three and a half seasons. He won the Supporters Shield in 2015, his first year, and led Red Bulls to the US Open Cup finals last season. Under Marsch’s innovative high-pressing style, the Red Bulls have also made three playoff appearances during his tenure.
Marsch’s decision to leave is a calculated risk. He leaves arguably his most complete Red Bulls squad ever, which currently sits second in the Eastern Conference with 32 points. The Athletic reported that Marsch was in deep discussions to join RB Leipzig, where he could be Leipzig’s interim head coach or an assistant under Ralf Rangnick, the sporting director of the Red Bull brand.
Hoffenheim boss Julian Nagelsmann had been previously named the head coach for Leipzig for the 2019 season.
Armas joined the Red Bulls as an assistant coach under Marsch in 2015. The New York native had previously coached Adelphi University’s women’s soccer team and served as an assistant coach for the Chicago Fire.
“Chris has emerged as a leader in his own right, and embodies our core values on and off the field,” General Manager Marc de Grandpre said about Armas. “We are excited for him to take this opportunity and know he will perfectly represent our club.”
Armas’ first test will come when the Red Bulls travel to Yankee Stadium for the Hudson Derby on Sunday. They’ll face a New York City FC team who have also seen coaching turnover recently with Domènec Torrent replacing Patrick Vieira, who left for Nice.