“I understand”: Rival boss hopes Chelsea linked sporting director stays put

Jesse Marsch hopes Leeds United sporting director Victor Orta stays amidst links to Chelsea

Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch hopes sporting director Victor Orta stays with the Peacocks amidst links to Chelsea. However, the American understands the allure the Blues’ vacant position would have on the Spaniard.

Chelsea are looking to fill the position of the sporting director as Todd Boehly looks to enter the Stamford Bridge club into the new age. The Blues owner has the Elland Road specialist on his shortlist for candidates.

Speaking to the media via The Daily Mail, Marsch confirms Chelsea’s interest in Orta. And while the Leeds boss wants to continue working with the Spaniard, he knows that the sporting director is the one who has to decide.

“If you get an opportunity to go to a place like Chelsea, with your family situation, I understand you have to consider it. In the end, he has to make a decision based on what is best for him and his family.”

“I know how much he loves Leeds United. I’m hopeful he will stay.”

Boehly has led the recent transfer market after taking over the club last season. The new owner seemingly was at the forefront of negotiations to bring new players in the summer of 2022.

The Blues made a host of big signings to bolster Thomas Tuchel’s squad. Raheem Sterling, Kalidou Koulibaly, Marc Cucurella, Carney Chukwuemeka, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Denis Zakaria arrived at Stamford Bridge.

However, Boehly decided to part ways with the Champions League-winning head coach and appointed Graham Potter. Now, our new owner is looking to bring in a supporting cast to aid the former Seagulls boss.

Boehly was criticised for spending so much money on players for Tuchel and, in the end, sacking him just after a few days of the transfer window concluding. Fans have been left confused by the direction the club is taking.

Orta has vast experience working within the hierarchy of European clubs. The Spaniard was technical director at Sevilla for seven years. He served as sporting director for Zenit St Petersburg and Elche before joining Middlesbrough and Leeds.

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Supporters are hoping the club moves away from the trend of planning for the short-term. And if Chelsea do get Orta, the Spaniard and Potter need to be given time at the helm.