Jesse Marsch: We're really happy to be here

Jesse Marsch: We\'re really happy to be here

Head coach on Australia tour.

Leeds United head coach Jesse Marsch spoke to the media ahead of Thursday’s friendly with Brisbane Roar.

The Whites play the first of three games in Australia against the Queensland outfit at CBUS Super Stadium.

Having already held an open training session and with preparations under way following a long flight, Marsch spoke about the time Down Under so far and what he’s expecting from Brisbane Roar.

“We’re really happy to be here,” said Marsch.

“It was a long way and there has been a little bit of acclimation for us from the jet lag and time perspective, but the guys have adjusted really well and as always their attitude has been fantastic.

“We’ve had two test matches already and from each match we’ve progressed and grown a little bit.

“Now we want to use these three games to get us more match fit and practice more what we want our style of play to be.

“I’ve watched Brisbane and looked at what we need to prepare for and we’re expecting a good match and a well-coached team.

“We’ve enjoyed having the team away together, being around the surroundings and enjoying what Australia has to offer.

“The people have been so welcoming, friendly and open and really excited to have us here, so overall it’s been a really good two days.

“It’s been nice to work with the group when we’re not under constant pressure to perform every weekend or every third day and we can focus more on our process.

“At the end of last year we were introducing tactical ideas, but it was so much about managing the game to get as many points as we could.

“I’m much more about the process and developing a team the right way, but relegation demanded we couldn’t do that.

“I’m proud of the team for the way they performed and stuck together and now we have to play better football, maintaining the belief and mentality from the group.”

“We’ve got potential to grown and have a good season and we’re all hopeful and optimistic about our chances.”

Marsch also gave an update on Junior Firpo who missed the tour to Australia through injury.

Marsch said: "He's most likely out for eight weeks.

"We're hopeful it's a little bit faster as he healed really quickly after his last injury.

"We're looking very closely at Leif Davis who we think has done very well and we also have other solutions like Pascal Struijk and potentially Jack Harrison."

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