Jesse Marsch details failed Weston McKennie plan at Leeds United before sacking — YEP 16/1/24

-

The American signed on loan from Juventus but failed to win over the Leeds fanbase.

By Kyle Newbould

Jesse Marsch has explained the tactical thinking behind Leeds United's decision to sign Weston McKennie last season.

McKennie was one of three senior arrivals in January 2023 as Leeds enjoyed an unusually busy mid-season window. The American midfielder signed on loan from Juventus after speaking with compatriots Tyler Adams and Brendan Aaronson, but failed to make a positive impact at Elland Road as the Whites were relegated.

McKennie's fortunes in West Yorkshire were not helped by the decision to sack Marsch, the man who pushed for his signing, within 10 days of his arrival. And in the latest of several media appearances, the former Whites boss has explained how he'd have used the much-maligned midfielder.

“Yeah so when we brought Weston McKennie to Leeds the idea was that when he was against the ball and out of possession he was going to play deeper in the number eight position and then with the ball he would be in the number 10 spot,” Marsch told the Call It What You Want Podcast. “Weston, for me, has the flexibility to play deeper, but it’s encouraging the discipline of what to do and where. One of the beauties of Weston is his flexibility and I saw it a lot in Germany when he was at Schalke that he could play as an eight, a six, a wing-back, second striker, number 10, he has that flexibility, and that’s because his instincts to play the game were really good.”

Following Marsch's exit, Javi Gracia took the reins at Elland Road but lasted just 10 weeks before also losing his job. Sam Allardyce was hired in a desperate attempt to survive but he failed to win any of his four matches as manager.

McKennie was a regular starter under both managers but had no clear role in the team and failed to win over Leeds supporters. An option to make his move permanent was never activated and he returned to Juventus almost instantly, following relegation.

Speaking in November, the American admitted he 'let certain people down' with his performances in West Yorkshire. He is now back at Juventus and a regular starter under Max Allegri.

Popular posts from this blog

The huge initial fee Leeds are set to receive for Crysencio Summerville’s move to West Ham — Leeds United News 31/7/24

-
Will Butcher West Ham United are closing in on a deal to sign Crysencio Summerville from Leeds United, and Ben Jacobs has shared how much Leeds will receive for the Dutchman. The 22-year-old has been strongly linked with the Elland Road exit door all summer and was targeted as the one big sale Leeds needed to make before the Profit & Sustainability Rules deadline this month. But instead, Leeds sold Archie Gray for £40m to Tottenham. Leeds have since sold five more players in the form of Diego Llorente, Marc Roca, Kris Klaesson and Charlie Cresswell – raking in around £60m in total. But more exits were always likely and Fabrizio Romano reported on Wednesday afternoon that West Ham had agreed personal terms with Summerville, and talks for a fee were ongoing with the Yorkshire side. Now, the story has moved on with multiple sources claiming a deal is done between Leeds and Angus Kinnear’s old club. The Dutchman is expected to sign a five-year at the London Stadium, until Jun...
Read more

Leeds United board break silence after transfer window with statement on upcoming Elland Road development — YEP 2/9/24

-
By Joe Donnohue Leeds United have confirmed supporters' commemorative stones at Elland Road's Centenary Square will be replaced free of charge in a bid to improve their longevity. Beginning next month, Leeds supporters' personalised stones will be replaced with exact replicas, courtesy of a new company, to ensure of a 'much better quality' installation. The work is expected to take around two months to complete. An official club statement confirmed 'three larger stones dedicated to former managers Don Revie, Howard Wilkinson and Marcelo Bielsa' will also be installed, 'similar to those located in Bremner Square', while additional space for supporters to purchase new stones has also been factored into the project. “The club have taken on board recent feedback from supporters on the stones at Centenary Square, and we are really happy that we can now announce that all of the stones will be replaced," chief executive Angus Kinnear confirmed,...
Read more

Leeds United transfer state of play as Whites knock back low bid and assert wing pair stance — YEP 3/7/24

-
By Graham Smyth Leeds United are not actively looking to cash in on Crysencio Summerville and Willy Gnonto and believe any further outgoing transfer business will be done on their terms. The Whites, who sold Archie Gray to Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday for £40m, expect that there will be continued interest in wing pair Summerville and Gnonto as the summer transfer window progresses. Summerville has been a target for Premier League side Brighton and Hove Albion but their interest has not yet materialised into a bid. The Albion did, however, send a £30m proposal for Georginio Rutter, which Elland Road chiefs rejected. Rutter is not expected to try and force an exit this summer and appears settled at Leeds after a far more positive second season in English football. The sale of Gray has helped put Leeds into a position where they do not need to sell star players and can dictate any moves that do happen. Club sources say they are not actively looking to sell the likes of Summerville o...
Read more