We breakdown the key takeaways from the Jesse Marsch press conference ahead of Leeds United’s Premier League clash with West Ham at Elland Road this Wednesday [Via Leeds United Official YouTube Channel]
On whether West Ham at Elland Road is a must-win game for Leeds:
“Yes and No – West Ham is a competitor for where we are, and playing at home we want to find a way to get a result. Every game feels like a final for where we are as a team”
Marsch understands why its framed as such an important game, but his emphasis is placed on ensuring his players are “laser-focused” on their specific roles for the game rather than viewing the game in that way. He says that West Ham defend and counter well, and were a little hard done by in their defeat to Brentford.
He says that after the Chelsea win, Leeds had a run of matches that looked somewhat winnable, but didn’t get a win until Liverpool. This re-emphasised the need for every one of his players to be focused every moment they’re on the pitch.
On Patrick Bamford’s recovery progress:
Marsch updates the press that Bamford will not be ready for West Ham, as he is still recovering from his most-recent surgery. He states that for this game, the bigger emphasis is on getting Summerville and Harrison back to 100%.
While Bamford is of course disappointed that his injury recovery is taking longer than had been anticipated, the striker has remained generally positive and hopeful that this latest surgery will be the difference-maker in bringing him back to match fitness.
On Luis Sinisterra’s progress:
Sinisterra remains out for the clash with West Ham, though Marsch says his recovery progress is going really well. He anticipates that Sinisterra should be able to rejoin the first team training in the next 10 days.
On Stuart Dallas:
No timeframe for Stuart Dallas, but Marsch tells about how the fan-favourite is working every day to recovery from the femur injury picked up over eight months ago. He’s hopeful the Northern Ireland international can continue to make strong progress in his recovery.
On his time as Leeds manager so far:
He laughs as he says he hates the stress. Marsch expresses that he’s thankful to be at Leeds and praises the togetherness and unity within the club. He states that 2022 has been a big challenge, but he has really enjoyed it.
Marsch expresses how he was taken aback by just how good every team in the Premier League is, with no exceptions, and ponders on the fine margins of success and failure in the English game. He tells the media that he finds enjoyment is in relationships with people at the club – the players, coaching team, backroom staff.
On the January Transfer Window:
He states that he does want to add to his squad, then jokes about how no other country cares about the transfer window the way they care about it in England.
“The biggest thing that amazes me is, I’ve been in other countries and no one like England cares about the transfer window the way you guys do”.
“Fabrizio Morano, I think has like, made a living on the transfer windows. I don’t even know this guy, but he’s everywhere”, Marsch jokes.
On the Newcastle performance:
Jesse Marsch says that it was very challenging preparing for Newcastle’s aggressiveness. He says that getting clean sheet was really good feeling for team and it helps them builds momentum. He believes that his side’s compactness and discipline throughout the game made it difficult for Newcastle to break them down.
When asked if his openness and honesty with the press translates to his Managerial style:
Marsch says that he tries to be open and honest in his managerial career and his life, and while some may view openness as a weakness, it enables him to be clear when standards aren’t upheld.
When discussing team selection and recent injury difficulties:
He says its a balancing act when it comes to team selection. One of the most important things for him is the communication of expectation between the coach and player so they know precisely what their role is, and so they’re entirely focused in the moment.
He says that its important players are ready for all predicaments, and that fatigue management is always crucial in the game.
Marsch praised 19 year old Wilfried Gnonto, saying the youngster has “played fantastic” in recent games. He praised Rodrigo, Koch and Struijk who have all emerged as cornerstones of what his side are trying to achieve this season.
On his team and if he’s improved as a manager in his time with Leeds:
He emphasises that his side have a lot of work left to do for them to be where they want to be and where they can be.
Marsch responds “for sure” when he is asked whether he is a better manager now than when he took over last year.