Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch says he and his predecessor Marcelo Bielsa share “similar” views and is extremely thankful for the squad he has inherited.
The American head coach was appointed by Leeds officials at the end of February after a 4-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur that saw Bielsa sacked and a fifth defeat in six games to leave Leeds just two points above the relegation zone.
After two successive defeats to start his tenure, Marsch has guided the Whites to a five-game unbeaten run with the club in 16th place, five points above the dotted line.
Speaking on Soccer AM with Tubes the 48-year-old expressed his gratitude for inheriting such a well-conditioned side.
He said:
“The reason I’m here, in general, is because the intensity at which Marcelo thought the game should be played and the intensity at which I think the game should be played are fairly similar and so I’m incredibly appreciative to have such a hard-working team that is all in when it comes to doing whatever it takes on game day.
“It’s just about sort of directing their energies in the best way that I think is beneficial for the way we want to play.”
“These guys are fit, they run at the most high level in the league. It’s a group that is incredibly strong and fit and physically powerful.”
TIF Thoughts on Leeds United…
This time it appears as if Marsch is being a bit more positive towards Bielsa after seemingly slamming his approach before on TalkSPORT.
The Yorkshire club rank first for the number of tackles per game among Premier League teams and have contested more duels on the ground (2674), 71 or more than any other side in the league reinforcing Marsch’s sentiments.
Statistics revealed that the side are producing a higher number of xG (expected goals (1.62) per game under the former RB Salzburg and Leipzig manager than compared to when Bielsa was in charge this season (1.33).
Leeds do seem to be moving places since the change in the dugout and a few additions in the summer as well as holding onto key players Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha could see a vast improvement in the side in Marsch’s first full season at the helm.
AND in other news, pundit highlights Leeds outcast who deserves more game time