Jesse Marsch: We’re excited for a big match

Jesse Marsch: We’re excited for a big match

Head coach previews Manchester City match.

Jesse Marsch is looking forward to facing Manchester City on Saturday afternoon, an opponent he describes as the ‘ultimate test’.

The Leeds United head coach spoke about Pep Guardiola’s side ahead of the match, whilst also setting the challenge to his own players to go out there and execute the game plan.

As always, Marsch began by giving an update on the fitness and availability of his squad this weekend.

He said: “Crysencio Summerville picked up an injury in the last training we had before the Palace match, which is unfortunate because he’s been in good form. He twisted his ankle and will be done for the season.

“Adam Forshaw is moving forward in a good way but it will be some time for him. Patrick Bamford is making progress, we’re hopeful we can see him later in the season, Tyler Roberts is making good progress as well. Everyone else is healthy and ready to go!

“We’ve worked with Junior Firpo a lot in the last few days and we’re hopeful of getting him fitter and him helping the group. 

“Whether this is the match for that, to see if he’s fully ready, we will evaluate that over the coming days, but he’s looked good in training.”

The Whites get underway against the current Premier League champions at 5:30pm on Saturday afternoon, aiming to extend their five-match unbeaten run. 

The visitors come into the game having just played the first leg of their Champions League semi-final with Real Madrid, whilst also aiming to secure the league title again as the conclusion to the campaign gets ever closer.

“That team [Manchester City] is full of winners and professionals,” Marsch explained.

“Of course, it’s a massive goal of theirs to win the Champions League or at least get to the final, but how do you compare that to winning the league.

“If they slip up the title is in jeopardy, they will have the mentality to do everything they can to get the result.

“We’re excited for a big match. It’s the best team in the world against the best club in the world. I think it’s an ultimate test, maybe the ultimate test, I am very honest when I say they’re best in world.

“Their talent speaks for itself, their manager does an incredible job of creating a tactical model that is very complex, that the players understand very well and it is incredibly difficult to defend against.

“Man City can control a match over time by movement and ideas, and have the ability to unbalance you in one area then attack you in another.

“We will have to be very clear on our tactics and strategies, we have to be confident and better with the ball, then understand moments when we can be aggressive.

“That’s not easy, it’s a massive challenge but hopefully we can use our crowd and fight for the result.”

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