Jesse Marsch admitted that he is impressed with everyone at Leeds United for how quickly they have adapted to his methods since taking over from Marcelo Bielsa. The Whites have picked up 10 points in his six games in charge and put themselves in a great position to secure Premier League survival.
When Bielsa was relieved of his duties with Leeds just a couple of points above the relegation zone, many called for a short-term fix to steer them to safety. However, the club’s hierarchy made a bold decision to bring Marsch’s arrival forward, with rumours already abound that he would join the club at some point.
Defeats against Leicester and Aston Villa in his first two games left supporters worried about returning to the Championship but he has done brilliantly to put together a four-game unbeaten run. A fourth win in five games against Crystal Palace on Monday would make it unlikely that Leeds will be one of the three relegated sides, showing how well the American has done in less than two months.
Read more: Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch clarifies his Marcelo Bielsa 'overtraining' comments
Speaking to media ahead of the visit to South London, Marsch was asked whether his side are ahead of where he was expecting them to be at this stage. To which, he responded: “Well I said to the group a lot that they’re ahead of schedule for me, that they’ve adapted really well.
“If you look through it, we’ve changed the way we train, the way we play, the tactics, the way we interact here at Thorp Arch, they have to get used to my leadership style, my way of communicating. I can only say that I have never had a group that has adapted and given more than what they have and honestly, in the situation, it’s been important to draw on that but it’s a big compliment to the group we have here.
“Personally, I’m really excited for the match on Monday and I know our guys are ready to get back at it again and know that it’s a really important stretch for us."
With more than a fortnight since Leeds last played, Marsch’s players should be suitably recharged to take advantage of a Crystal Palace side that has lost three games in a row. Although, football is never that simple and the Whites boss is under no illusions about how tough the visit to Selhurst Park will be.
“Crystal Palace is a team we have a lot of respect for, they made it to the FA Cup semi-final, they’ve had an incredible season,” said Marsch. “They have a lot of quality players that are very dangerous in one-v-one situations and in transition moments and they have a really good coach.
“We know that Palace is a tough place to play so it will be a big challenge for us and it will require entire concentration and focus on the task at hand."
