Former Leeds Boss Jesse Marsch: 'Everybody Knew' About Man City, They Should Be Relegated

Former Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch has called for Manchester City to face severe sanctions over their alleged Premier League financial breaches, insisting the club should be relegated from the top flight. The American coach, who managed Leeds during their relegation campaign in 2022–23, claimed that City's financial conduct has long been an open secret across the football world.

"I think Manchester City should be severely punished. I think they should be relegated. And by the way, everybody knew. Everybody knew," Marsch told The Guardian. He also recalled his disbelief when City announced a financial profit in the summer of 2022 despite heavy market spending: "When they said they bought Erling Haaland for £52m, I was like, 'Yeah, okay, sure! Is this a joke?' I knew there were discrepancies, but what can you do? You just throw your hands up and say, 'That's football.'"

Marsch drew a contrast with Leeds' financial realities, pointing out that without unlimited resources, the club had to sell players to balance the books. He referenced the departures of Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips—the latter moving directly to Manchester City. An independent commission found City guilty of serious breach charges between 2009 and 2018, but the club denies wrongdoing and is appealing the decision.