Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has defended Jesse Marsch from recent Leeds United criticism. Just two wins in 19 games has triggered questions among supporters about the American’s future.
The Whites outclassed Brentford at Elland Road on Saturday, with the visitor failing to register a shot on target. However, wastefulness in attacking areas, a problem that has plagued Leeds’ season, meant the Bees held firm to earn a 0-0 draw.
Failing to secure all three points leaves Leeds sitting one point above the relegation zone. Calls for Marsch to go have ramped up in recent weeks, with Bet365 making him second favourite on their list for the next Premier League manager to be sacked at 6/1.
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A former United goal machine has emerged as an advocate for Marsch to remain in the Elland Road hot seat. Speaking to SafeBettingSites, ex-Leeds and Chelsea striker Hasselbaink has urged Andrea Radrizzani to stick by their man.
“When he came in last season, Jesse did a magnificent job to keep Leeds up,” he said. “This season, they’ve never been in the bottom three and yes, they’re going through a difficult time. But I’m not one to shout ‘sack the manager’ straight away. They need continuity and I think he deserves more time.
“I don’t think they’re in drastic danger of going down because there are three worse teams than them. Goalscoring is difficult at the moment but I must say that Brentford are a difficult team to play against at the moment. It’s not that simple. Leeds were the better team but they couldn’t find that bit of quality in the final third.”
But there was criticism for leaving January arrival Georginio Rutter on the bench. The £33million forward watched from the sidelines as Leeds struggled to break Brentford down.
“Yeah, I didn’t really understand the decision not to bring him (Rutter) on, especially when you need a goal,” Hasselbaink added. “There might be a reason behind that we’re unaware of but yeah hopefully we see him getting some minutes very soon.”
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