Marsch ‘really proud’ of Leeds players despite first game defeat
Leeds United’s new manager Jesse Marsch has admitted he is ‘really proud’ of his players despite a 1-0 defeat to Leicester in his first game in charge.
Marsch took over earlier his week after the club made the decision to sack Marcelo Bielsa after a 4-0 defeat at home to Tottenham last weekend.
The Big Match: the show that changed the face of football broadcasting
His side had chances to take the lead at the King Power but fell behind after the break when Harvey Barnes fired home to give Brendan Rodgers’ side a valuable win.
However, despite the defeat that leaves them just two points above the relegation zone, Marsch took plenty of positives from the result.
“I have a fresh perspective. I look at the faces on the team and obviously they are disappointed because they know they have played well and deserved a result.
“After four days together and to have changed a lot of the tactics, I am really proud of the group to have stayed so stable at the back, not to have given much away and to have controlled so much of the match.
🎙𝗝𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝘀𝗰𝗵: “We have to stay clear to our process” pic.twitter.com/ewaaGuIRap
— Leeds United (@LUFC) March 5, 2022
“I don’t like to be screaming from the bench so much, but for me it is a good performance, there was clarity on the pitch and it was a good game from us.
“I understand there is stress, but we have to stay clear and maintain a clear, fresh mindset.
“I saw we had the lion’s share of chances and shots, with a bit more calmness we will find goals.
“They are getting to know me, we are getting to know each other. To play so well at a tough place to play it doesn’t feel right that we didn’t get what we deserved but that is sport. 100% something to build on. A big first step for us.”
“Even going into the match I felt the performance was more important than the points. It is our first match together, we have had four days on the [training] pitch together and I’m pleased with how they controlled the match in all phases of the game, including set pieces.
“They have made so much progress in a short space of a time.”
