Jesse Marsch's first 12 games as Leeds United manager have been described as a 'sticking plaster', as the Whites scrambled for points in the midst of a relegation battle. Rather than tactical process, the work was focused primarily on mentality, keeping the team spirit up and working on basic ideas on the training pitch.
However, while Marsch was ultimately successful in keeping the team in the Premier League, there was always a sense that there would need to be an improvement ahead of the new season. Victor Orta has been busy re-tooling the squad and has already brought in five first-team signings in Brenden Aaronson, Rasmus Kristensen, Marc Roca, Tyler Adams and Luis Sinisterra. A forward is also expected to join soon, with Orta working hard to try and attract Club Brugge's Charles De Keteleare.
Although signings are vitally important this summer, it is also important that Leeds develop more of a tactical identity this summer. Marsch was known for a specific style at his previous clubs, with the Red Bull style of football core to his philosophy. This primarily revolves around pressing and counter-pressing - the act of looking to win the ball back immediately after losing it in order to create a shooting opportunity out of chaos - as well as 'vertical' attacking play.
