Jesse Marsch: We've covered a lot of things tactically

Jesse Marsch: We\'ve covered a lot of things tactically

Head coach on draw with Crystal Palace.

Leeds United head coach Jesse Marsch gave his thoughts to the media after Friday’s draw with Crystal Palace in Perth.

Rodrigo opened the scoring from the penalty spot, before Jean-Philippe Mateta equalised, as both teams scored in the second half at the Optus Stadium.

The clash with the Eagles completed the tour Down Under and the team will now return to the UK with one more friendly to play, before the Premier League season begins on August 6th.

Reflecting on the game, the head coach said: “Tonight was one of our best games in terms of tactical clarity in our execution of what we want the game to look like.

“We're still working on our effectiveness in the last third in our ability to turn some advantages into real concrete chances and goals.

“It's been a theme since I've been here, but the level the game is played at is so high goals come at a premium.

“I would say the integration of the new players is what's pleased me the most.

“Also the fact we went over from game to game to game in this pre-season period and we've been able to learn, grow, develop and apply more and more of the tactical model we want.”

The team now have one final friendly against Cagliari next weekend to complete their preparations, before the season opener against Wolves at Elland Road.

Marsch was asked to summarise how pre-season has gone overall and his thoughts on his team, ahead of the new campaign.

He said: “We still have work to do, but I can say having our team in concentration like this over a two-week period has brought them together in a big way.

“It's clear to see the additions have brought a lot and fitted in really well. There's a general sense of positive energy and optimism inside the team right now.

“If you take where we started two weeks ago to where we are now, I feel like we're much further ahead. 

“We've covered a lot of things tactically video-wise and then also had the team spirit so I feel like it's been effective, but there's still so much work to do.”

“From day one the work and the concentration from this group of players has always allowed us to maximise what we're trying to become.

“I still know there's so much work to do, but I feel we're going to have a good team this season.”

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