Jesse Marsch will expect to see progress from his Leeds United outfit as they take on Warren Moon’s Brisbane Roar at the Cbus Super Stadium in Gold Coast. The Whites have trained twice in Australia since making the 10,200 mile journey from Elland Road last weekend and this morning they will take on A-League opposition as they continue to prepare themselves for the start of the new Premier League season.
United fans caught a glimpse of new signing Marc Roca last week against Blackpool, but the likes of Brenden Aaronson, Rasmus Kristensen, Tyler Adams, Darko Gyabi and Luis Sinisterra could all have a role to play today. Skipper Liam Cooper won’t be involved as he battles with a minor Achilles issue, but Marsch will be keen to see as many players as possible get some much-needed game time.
The Leeds boss kept his cards close to his chest regarding specific plans for the contest, but he is keen to see growth in a number of key areas against the Roar.
Read more: Leeds United Australia diary day two: Press conferences, hard work and rugby league
“Different players are at different stages right now,” Marsch said ahead of the meeting. “So the demands for what's necessary for each player are a little different, but certainly fitness-wise we want to move each player along so that we're closer and closer to 100 per cent and then also reinforce all of the tactical themes.
“If you look at the end of last year, we were introducing tactical themes, but it was so much about just managing the game to get as many points as we can and really, I hate that. I'm much more about a process and developing a team the right way and unless about trying to win right in the moment but relegation demands that you do that.
“I'm proud of our team for the way that they performed. I'm proud of the team for the way they stuck together. Now we need to play better football and maintain that mentality and belief and commitment from the group and we will.”
Leeds trained at the Roar’s training ground at the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre on Wednesday and Marsch had the chance to meet Brisbane boss Moon, who has followed the career of the American for some time.
“Warren was nice enough to talk about that he's seen some of the things I've done online and the way our team plays,” Marsch added. “We talked a little bit about the challenges he has, the challenges we have and we're going to talk a little bit more after this and maybe get into a little bit more football ideas.
“I can see that he's a serious guy and inquisitive and I've watched the team, I've already looked at some of the things that we need to prepare for the match tomorrow night and we expect a good match and a well-coached team.”
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