Jesse Marsch will face Diego Simeone in what will be one of the most prestigious club games controlled through an American in the history of world football.
And the only questionable thing about this is whether the term “one of” should be included in the statement.
Marsch’s Red Bull Salzburg fulfilled its role in Russia on Tuesday, beating Lokomotiv Moscow 3–1 to stay alive for a spot in round 16 of the UEFA Champions League as a striker for a must-see at Atletico Madrid on 9 December.
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It will be the ultimate vital match of Marsch’s young career when Salzburg welcomes Atleti, and it will take a lot: can the 47-year-old former USMNT midfielder design a victory against a defensive brain he knows can move forward with a draw?
Even a draw against Atleti would be an impressive result in maximum weeks, but it would give Lokomotiv Moscow the chance to move on to Austrian over Bayern (at the Allianz Arena, still).
Here’s Marsch, Salzburg’s website:
“It was a wonderful game on our part. The boys played really well, fought and won a lot of challenges. We were very smart on and off the ball. It was one of our most productive games in the Champions League. I am satisfied by Mergim” I fought very well in each and every educational session, had his chance and gave everything.
Mergim Mergim Berisha, who scored two goals in the first half to give Salzburg an advantage he would retain when Karim Adeyemi’s goal in the 81st minute came two minutes after the hosts fired one of Anton Miranchuk’s penalty.
What it is for Marsch and also what a demand: to beat a team of Diego Simeone who already has a point.
Bob Bradley controlled Stabaek in the Europa League, Pellegrino Matarazzo controlled Stuttgart in the Bundesliga promotion and David Wagner propelled Huddersfield Town to the Premier League.
But those are special things, following the demanding situations of Liverpool and Napoli in the season towards a national double. Good luck, sir.
Follow @NicholasMendola