Leeds boss Jesse Marsch has emphatically responded to reports that his team is no longer backing their manager, calling the claims “a bunch of BS”.
The Premier League side are in a bit of a rut domestically. Before last night’s 5-2 FA Cup win over Cardiff, Leeds had taken just one victory from their last eight games in all competitions. This poor run of form sees Jesse Marsch’s side sit just two points clear of the relegation zone, albeit in 14th place.
This has led to rumours suggesting discontent between the US manager and his players, something which Marsch was quick to address.
“There were some ridiculous reports this week that the players are against me,” said Marsch, via BBC Sport. “This is a bunch of BS. Here, we have been totally together from day one, and that is one of the things I love about being here.
“We’re so unified on the inside, from top to bottom. So, you know, I just want the players to be rewarded for their work and for their belief. And so that’s what we got today.”
Jesse Marsch then defiantly doubled down in yesterday’s post-match FA Cup press conference, defending his Leeds side’s team spirit.
Jesse Marsch blasts “awful” reports of Leeds players not backing him
The manager praised the work ethic and commitment that his squad continue to put in, hoping that fans will thus keep faith in the team. Marsch also further criticised claims of disharmony, calling the reports “awful”.
“We are all harbouring responsibility, especially me,” added the Leeds boss, via Sky Sports. “And we believe in ourselves, and we know we are going to get better.
“I know I’ve taken a lot of criticism and in some cases rightly so. But I’ve felt internally that we are moving in the right direction.”
Despite their current situation putting him under pressure, Leeds’ progression in the FA Cup provided some relief for Jesse Marsch.
The Yorkshire side emphatically swept aside Cardiff City in their third-round replay, claiming a 5-2 victory at Elland Road.
Wilfried Gnonto opened the scoring after just one minute thanks to a stunning volley. Following this, a goal from Rodrigo and Gnonto’s second gave Leeds a 3-0 half-time lead.
In the second half, Patrick Bamford came off the home bench to score a double which put the tie to bed. Cardiff did grab two late consolations, though, with both coming from Callum Robinson.
The Premier League side will now travel to either Boreham Wood or Accrington Stanley in the fourth round. However, the two lower-league sides have not yet settled their third-round match-up; the replay is not until 24 January.
For now, Jesse Marsch must re-focus his squad for an assault on the Premier League.
A crucial month of games up ahead for Leeds
Leeds finish out January with a home fixture against Brentford. Here, they will look to avenge the 5-2 defeat that the Bees inflicted on them earlier this season.
After this, a trip to fellow strugglers Nottingham Forest could be a crucial match in which to claim points. The same can be said for Leeds when they travel to Everton on 18 February. They do have to host Man United the week before their clash at Goodison Park, though.
Finally, the Whites see out February with another bottom-of-the-table scrap at home to Southampton.
This upcoming run of games could prove pivotal to Leeds’ season – and their Premier League survival. Consequently, a poor showing from these matches may be Jesse Marsch’s undoing as manager.
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