Georginio Rutter has opened up about his career in football so far during a candid interview on his new YouTube channel and he shared how he reacted to Leeds United sacking Jesse Marsch.
Rutter, 22, sparkled for Leeds during 2023-24 which is without doubt his best season in football. He had a hand in a huge 24 goals and assists as Leeds tried to get promoted, falling at the final hurdle at Wembley.
The Frenchman has created a wonderful relationship with fans, starring with his unerring ability to create magic out of nothing. His feet, his strength, his skill, his vision and his ability in transition delighted fans.
But it did not all go to plan to begin with. Rewind 18 months, and a nervous-looking Rutter joined Leeds for a club-record fee in a deal believed to be worth around £35m from Bundesliga side Hoffenheim.
A couple of weeks after Rutter’s arrival, Marsch was sacked
Rutter had gone to Germany without knowing the country but left, not particularly wanting to leave for Leeds. He says as much in the interview, Rutter explaining that his love for the fans made him hesitant.
But he did, joining for a club-record fee, unable to speak English, at the age of 20, in a side that were in a battle against relegation. It got worse for Rutter, working under four managers in the space of six months.
It saw him fail, and fans could not understand why £35m had been spent on him. Now, of course those fans have changed their mind – but at the time, it was difficult to argue and Rutter says how he felt doubt.
“At first it went well, I played my first game against Accrington. After, we had to play Jesse Marsch twice. The coach told me I was going to play on Saturday. But at 5pm, Jesse Marsch was fired,” he said.
“I started to doubt, because this coach wanted me for his game plan. Maybe the next one wouldn’t want me. Against Manchester United, i was on the bench and played 10 mins,” Rutter told his YouTube page.
Thankfully, Rutter has come good at Leeds and he must be kept
The situation with Rutter now is that he is the attacking jewel of an exciting Leeds crown. But after the exit of both Archie Gray and Crysencio Summerville, The 49ers are the subject of criticism from Leeds fans.
Many are concerned that the squad lacks the depth after seven sales, five loan exits and more than have left the club on frees. The club need to make a number of new additions now, like replacing Summerville.
Rutter has been the subject of interest from Brighton, who made a £30m bid. But it was rejected and of course, that is the right decision. Leeds cannot sell Rutter this summer no matter what the price.