Jesse Marsch fronts up to Leeds United 'reality' in admission and pays homage to Marcelo Bielsa - YEP 22/10/22

Whites boss Jesse Marsch has fronted up to the “reality” that his Leeds United side face ahead of today’s bid for victory at the eighth attempt against visiting Fulham.

By Lee Sobot

Marsch will take in his 23rd game in charge through today’s 2pm kick-off as part of a tenure that began with the task of keeping a sliding Whites side in the Premier League upon taking over following Marcelo Bielsa’s sacking last February.

Marsch’s side secured their top-flight status on the final day of the season through a dramatic 2-1 victory at Brentford and Leeds then began the new season in strong fashion as victories at home to Wolves and Chelsea sandwiched a 2-2 draw at Southampton.

United have since gone seven games without a win and whilst Marsch has highlighted the differences between now and the situation last May, the Whites boss admits that ultimately only a return to winning ways will ease current woes.

"Last year there was far more tension and a much bigger task," said Marsch. "However, the part that hurts right now is that we haven't gotten a win in so long. So this is why I say we've got to stop the bleeding and win in this business. Wins solve everything. That's the reality, that's where we're at and that's what we need."

Marsch’s side have taken just two points from a last possible 21 and United’s away contingent vented their anger at the team and Marsch from the King Power Stadium stands after Thursday night’s 2-0 defeat at Leicester City. Chants for Bielsa were heard for the first time since the early days of Marsch’s arrival but the Whites boss says there is no issue with supporters continually heralding his predecessor

"He is a club legend," said Marsch. "He brought the club back to the Prem. There was no issue and I respect and appreciate that the fans have a love for him."

Marsch has also reiterated his belief that there is a complete unity between himself, chairman Andrea Radrizzani, chief executive Angus Kinnear and director of football Victor Orta ahead of today’s clash against the Cottagers. Marsch added: "When it comes to my relationships with Andrea, Angus and Victor and the work that we've done together, we're 100 per cent unified. And then I have to do what I can to help the team continue to progress and grow and be the team that we believe they can become. I think so many of our players are actually playing really well and having good seasons and we're just not rewarding ourselves enough. And that's where we are and I've got to help them figure out how to do that and to stay strong and confident and have belief and that's really important."