LeedsLive have posted the full post match interview with coach Jesse Marsch following Leeds United’s 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace earlier today.
The game ended in a draw after Crystal Palace striker Mateta cancelled out Rodrigo’s penalty in a feisty encounter down under at the Optus Stadium, in front of nearly 40,000 fans. Both teams played their part in a rough game, mainly fought in the midfield. Rodrigo slotted a penalty home in the 56th minute, only for Mateta to equalise 10 minutes later, when Leeds put men forward for a corner only to see Palace break free on the counter to finish easily past Meslier.
Injuries to Sinisterra and Forshaw overshadowed the result, as they both limped off in the first half. Worrying sights for Leeds fans with only two weeks left until the start of the campaign. Coach Jesse Marsch has spoken about the game afterwards and here’s what he had to say.
When asked if he was comfortable with where the team are at? He said “I don’t know how many years I’ve been a manager now, but I’ve literally never come out of pre-season and gone into the season feeling like we’re ready. It’s just the reality.”
“It’s an ongoing process, but, from day one, the work and the concentration from this group of players has always allowed us to, day by day, maximise what we’re trying to become. I still know there’s so much work to do, but again, I feel we’re going to have a good team this season.”
Patrick Viera said he was happy with the level of physicality, would you echo those comments? “We’ve had spirited matches in all of them here and that’s just the way our team plays. We only know full throttle and that’s a good thing.”
“We try to bring our best every day, every game. Certainly, there’s some emotion that goes on.”
“Some frustration with some calls and different things and tackles, but the pitch wasn’t the perfect condition, but the mentality to try to get the most out of the game, to play at a high level, to play fast, to play with power was really good and there were major stretches of the game we were quite good.”
On the injuries to Sinisterra and Forshaw he said “Luis Sinisterra had a little hamstring injury. We’re hopeful it’s not too much or too long or too severe.”
“Any time we have a hamstring injury, I’m totally dissatisfied because that’s reflective of everything we do with them physically. We’ll evaluate that and we hope it’s not so bad.”
“And then Adam Forshaw had [Jean-Philippe] Mateta lean on him a little bit and tweaked his knee. We’re hopeful as well that one’s not so bad, but we’ll get more information on it in the next days.”
What has pleased you the most about the three performances and what are the areas that need improvement? “It’s been a competition between three groups we’ve put together. Sometimes I do that in pre-season to create a competitive atmosphere and to also bring camaraderie so they enjoy the competition of the work every day.”
“I’ll continue it probably through next week, so they keep pushing and the energy of what training is every day is at a very high level. Team spirit and togetherness is so important.”
“Clearly, I have a tactical way of wanting our team to play and we have a mentality of the way we go about matchday, but it’s really important to me every guy feels like he’s a big part of what we do and there’s a responsibility and commitment to each other that defines what we’re trying to become and what this club is.”
“Our fans demand that. When you come to Elland Road, if there’s any sense of selfishness or lack of commitment from the group, they sniff it out immediately.”
“That’s certainly important to me and why I feel like I’m a good fit for what we’re doing here at Leeds United.”
Rodrigo got the goal, what will that do for his confidence? “The penalty was shaky in general, but Rodrigo knows he’s an important player, knows he’s got a lot of quality. In those moments we all have trust he’s going to step up and bury it, which he did.”
“We need him to be at his best. He’s going to be important here and we have to make sure, in every way, he’s engaged and pushing. He’s part of the leadership council and that can really help.”
Leeds have just one game left before the season kicks off, which is at home on July 31st, against Cagliari with a 18:00 kick off. The Premier League campaign starts against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Elland Road on August 6th, and Jesse Marsch will be hoping by then, all business will be concluded and that he has a fully fit squad at his disposal.
Up Next: Tyler Adams on his Leeds arrival.