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After guiding the Montreal Impact through a solid expansion season, Jesse Marsch has stepped down as Impact head coach.
Marsch and the Impact came to a mutual agreement on Marsch’s departure. The announcement came on Saturday morning, a week after the Impact ended a season that saw them set a new MLS record for wins in a season by a Canadian team.
“Although we have the same goals, we did not share the same philosophy,” Marsch said in the Saturday morning press conference.
Marsch helped the Impact overcome a terrible 1-5-2 start to 2012 and the team eventually contend for a playoff spot. He integrated new signings Marco DiVaio and Alessandro Nesta excellently on a Montreal side that was outstanding at home but struggled on the road.
There is no word on who will replace Marsch as Montreal head coach. Assistant coaches Denis Hamlett, Mike Sorber, Mauro Biello and Philippe Eullaffroy will remain with the club and serve as interim head coaches until a permanent replacement is hired.
So what’s next for Marsch? Chivas USA is expected to make a coaching change, and while rumors in Mexico have already reported that Robin Fraser will be replaced by Efrain Flores, nothing has been confirmed officially yet. If the Goats have not hired a new coach, they would have to consider Marsch, a former Chivas USA team captain who spent four seasons there as a player and who made a strong impression in his one season with Montreal.
What do you think of this development? Think the Impact will take a step back in 2013? Where do you see Marsch winding up next?
Share your thoughts below.