Pundit ‘very impressed’ by Leeds after ‘massive improvements’ under Marsch
Trevor Sinclair was left feeling ‘very impressed’ by Leeds United, despite falling to defeat in their first game under the management of Jesse Marsch.
Marsch only took charge of the club earlier this week, replacing fan favourite Marcelo Bielsa who was sacked after the 4-0 defeat at home to Tottenham.
Marsch’s first game tells us nothing and everything about Leeds
His new side had chances to take the lead against Leicester on Saturday lunchtime, however, Harvey Barnes’ second-half strike gave the Foxes the three points and heaped the pressure on Leeds.
The Whites could find themselves in the relegation zone by the end of the day if other results go against them but despite the result, former Manchester City winger Sinclair was impressed.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Sinclair said: “Leeds defended much better, they look more solid, I’ve been very impressed.
“Luke Ayling playing as a makeshift centre-half has played extremely well, he’s adapted really well, they’ve looked really solid.
“They were lively, they grew into the game. Leicester started brightly, but for the majority of the game the forwards just had no service.
“Leeds played with a freedom in attack and I’ve been impressed, they look like they’ve got more about them already.
“Jesse Marsch has been in the job for four days and there has been massive improvements.
“They’ve been opened up once and Harvey Barnes has scored a very good goal – he was the most dangerous Leicester player today at that goal was against the run of play.
𝗙𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲: Unlucky not to get something out of that, but Harvey Barnes’ strike is the decider pic.twitter.com/fNlHIfHrDj
— Leeds United (@LUFC) March 5, 2022
“The result is important, especially for Leeds right now with where they are in the table.
“But, take away the result, the new manager will be pleased with this performance.”
The new Leeds boss spoke after the game of his pride in his team’s performance and believes their is something they can build on going forward.
“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.
“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.”
