Chris Sutton last night suggested that Leeds United may have been influenced to sack Jesse Marsch having seen the improvements Wolves have made under Julen Lopetegui.
The Whites parted company with the American yesterday after a really poor run of form.
Leeds are currently 17th in the Premier League table but are only out of the relegation zone on goal difference.
Their defeat to Nottingham Forest on Sunday proved to be the final straw, and Marsch was relieved of his duties yesterday.
He leaves the club a year after getting the job, and Leeds will now seek a new head coach to guide them away from danger.
It is a decision that carries huge risk. And the timing is certainly interesting given Marsch just brought in three new signings. But ultimately, results have not been good enough.
The situation was the topic of conversation last night on the Monday Night Club podcast, and Sutton feels Leeds officials may have been influenced to sack Marsch after seeing how well Wolves have done since Lopetegui came in.
He said: “You have to say that the owners are ditherers really. Jesse Marsch has brought three players in. They’ve spent a lot of money on Rutter. A new manager comes in and will have new ideas on the type of team and squad which he will like.
“I actually think the performances have been there, I get that about results. Five of the bottom six teams have sacked managers now and Leeds may have been looking at what’s happened with Lopetegui at Wolves. They seem to have improved.”
Since Lopetegui arrived at Wolves, there has been a real culture change.
The team is fitter than it was. And there appears to be a stronger desire and belief about the players.
There’s a greater organisation, and Wolves are carrying a bit more of an attacking threat now.
Leeds may well have considered Wolves’ improvements under Lopetegui in Jesse Marsch sack decision
It’s very possible Leeds have noted how much better things have been for Wolves since Lopetegui’s arrival.
That said, both Bournemouth and Southampton changed managers earlier this season and are still struggling.
It will be fascinating to see who they move for now.
Certainly, if they can get someone of a similar ilk to Lopetegui, then they will be giving themselves a reasonable chance of staying up.