Jesse Marsch: I think it was a good experience
Head coach discusses Aston Villa defeat.
Leeds United played their third match of pre-season, and their second in the Australia as they lost 1-0 to Aston Villa, courtesy of a second half penalty.
The Whites once again used a number of players throughout the match and continued their preparations for the new season, both fitness wise and tactically.
Speaking exclusively to LUTV after the match, head coach Jesse Marsch gave his thoughts on the game.
“We knew this was going to be a big test,” Marsch explained.
“We knew they had been working hard in training, and we have been working hard in training, so we knew it was going to be a good test.
“I did think the pace of the game was pretty high, the pitch wasn’t great so there was a lot of turnovers and bouncing balls, so it makes it a little bit physical and hectic in moments.
“But, there were phases of the game that I was pleased, I thought our initial build up phase was ok.
“Our ability to turn those advantages and overloading into a few more chances and actions in the last third, we have work to do on that.
“I thought we had certain moments where we were good at pressing, then certain moments when they would play big switches, our back line was a little too tight so we’ve got to talk about how we manage those moments.”
Next up for Leeds is another all Premier League pre-season clash, against Crystal Palace. Marsch will continue the positive work his side have put in so far in training as they now prepare to face the Eagles.
He concluded: “This is about bringing the team together, having a strong team spirit, working through tactics, getting our guys fit, pushing the level every day.
“From that perspective it’s been quite good. We’re still working on our efficiency in the final third moments, but it will come together.
“We started a lot of new players [against Villa] and I think we are very positive about every one of them, they’ve made a very big impression on all of us since they have been here.
“Now it’s about integrating them into the team and helping them to understand what the level of the opponents in this league are.
“For that sense, I think it was a good experience.”
