Leeds win at Liverpool will ‘stop the bleeding’ says Jesse Marsch after Anfield victory - The Athletic 29/10/22
By Ali Humayun
Jesse Marsch believes Leeds United’s shock win over
Liverpool can help “stop the bleeding”.
Leeds recorded their first victory at Anfield since 2001
when Crysencio Summerville scored a dramatic late winner to stun Liverpool 2-1.
It followed a tough run of nine games without a win for
Leeds and Marsch, which included a 3-2 defeat at home to Fulham last weekend,
despite leading.
And the American believes it can be a springboard for his
side.
Marsch said: “At 1-1 we talked that last week, when it was
close, that we were more waiting to lose than pushing to win. The best part was
you saw real resolve at 1-1.
“The mentality to push and stay in the match was really
strong.
“It was necessary to stop the bleeding. I’m really happy.
“We have to use this to launch ourselves. It makes next
weekend (when Leeds face Bournemouth) really important back at Elland Road.”
Marsch was asked if any pressure had lifted on his side and
said: “I don’t know. I’m just happy for our team. I believe in them and I’ve
told them that often. If you’re a real leader, you’re focused on your people.”
His side took the lead after a defensive mistake gifted
Rodrigo a tap in. Mohamed Salah then equalised from an Andrew Robertson cross
later in the first half.
Leeds’ high-energy performance caused problems for
Liverpool’s defence all evening, and they managed to steal the game in the
dying embers through Summerville.
After the match, the Dutchman told Sky Sports it was “a big
moment for me and my family to score at Anfield”.
He also presented the Man of the Match award to Illan
Meslier. The France Under-21 international put in an impressive display, making
nine saves in the match.
Meslier said: “I’m here since the beginning. I’m very proud
to make the step, to keep working and to have a great game today at Anfield.
“I’m pleased we can bring the three points to Leeds.
“Everyone said we had nothing to lose but we came with a
plan. It’s very hard to play against this team, but our counter-attack was very
good.”
The defeat also means that, for the first time in his
Liverpool career, Virgil van Dijk was on the losing side in a Premier League
home game, having been unbeaten in his first 70 at Anfield.
The victory lifts Leeds outside the relegation zone and into
15th place. Liverpool, meanwhile, are ninth and suffered a major dent to their
top four aspirations.