Jesse Marsch: We will need our fans

Jesse Marsch: We will need our fans

Head coach previews Aston Villa.

Jesse Marsch has spoken with the media ahead of Thursday night’s home match with Aston Villa.

The game will be the first time the new Leeds United head coach has taken control of his side at Elland Road, in a week that will have two matches on home turf.

Marsch gave his thoughts on the opposition prior to the match, whilst also commenting on Steven Gerrard’s time in charge of the Villans. 

He said: “I would start by talking about watching him [Gerrard] as a player. He was a player I admired because of his passion and will on the pitch. 

“I think for a manager like him, he is trying to use those qualities to translate to his team and that is clear. I think they’ve responded to him well despite not every result being what he wants.

“Philippe Coutinho has been a big factor playing at 10 in the diamond for them. Danny Ings and Ollie Watkins have been very active and they’ve also defended very well. 

“They’re a team I admire on set-pieces too, they have creativity and variation in everything they do. We will need to be alert.

“They are a team that is very confident and that can always be dangerous. We’ll need our fans and need a good start, to find a way to get the lead.”

On the subject of the fans, the head coach is looking forward to experience the atmosphere under the lights of Elland Road, which is something he has heard so much about. 

“I have heard from multiple people around the league, friends of mine that are coaches at other teams, and obviously from our players, that this is the best or one of the best environments, loudest and energetic fan bases in the league. 

“We need them in these two game games. Everyone in the city knows we need them, everyone in the city knows we need points and results.

“Nobody wants to be satisfied with anything but being in the Premier League next year.”

Team selection and availability was discussed with the head coach, who gave an update on who could return to action.

“Patrick Bamford will play for sure, tomorrow,” Marsch stated.  

"He won’t start but he will be ready from the bench, we’re excited to have him back in the team and he will give us a real boost.

“Liam [Cooper] was in training yesterday, he’s making good progress. 

“Kalvin [Phillips] is a few days behind and we will evaluate him on Friday. I am earmarking the international break to when we can get him back to 100 per cent, maybe it happens earlier we will see but it’s important to have no setbacks. 

“Leo Hjelde had surgery last week. The immediate feedback has been that it wasn’t so severe and he is walking without a limp, the recovery could be a matter of weeks instead of months.

“Adam Forshaw and Diego Llorente are possibilities from the start and certainly close to 100%. Adam said he hasn’t felt this good in weeks so he will be ready.

“Diego will be as well. He had a small muscle issue which kept him out at the weekend but he will be in the squad tomorrow.”

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