Marsch looks to the skies
The John Charles Stand may not be the tallest in English football, but it’s hardly claiming footballs every week, especially with its pitched roof. However, in the 17th minute of last night’s game, the ball found its way up there and left Jesse Marsch comically looking to the skies with his arms outstretched. Nothing came down.
Kristensen’s fists
Rasmus Kristensen has the makings of a cult hero at Elland Road. He appeals to the Scandinavian fanbase, he’s aggressive, built like a cruiserweight, runs for days and he wears his heart on his Leeds United sleeve.
On Sunday evening, in the 21st minute, he was caught celebrating the award of a free-kick like it was a goal. Tyler Adams went down on the edge of the box and Kristensen was giving it both fists as he went to tell the American how well he had done.
READ MORE: Leeds United player ratings as Kristensen and Aaronson dazzle in Cagliari thrashing
New number two
Rene Maric was one of two backroom appointments made at Thorp Arch this week. The 29-year-old has arrived with a glowing CV after positions at Red Bull Salzburg, Borussia Monchengladbach and Borussia Dortmund.
This is the first game of his tenure at Elland Road and he was an immediate presence during the warm-up and in the dugout. He and Marsch were frequently speaking throughout the match as the Austrian gave his point of view.
Maric has been in the job less than a week, but it’s clear how he’s going to approach management. Much like Marsch, as the full-time whistle approached, he went down the full bench and sitting backroom staff to shake hands on a game well done.
Football’s coming home
Understandably, there was a bigger story going on as Leeds were facing Cagliari at Elland Road. England and Germany were going to extra time at Wembley as the match was starting in Leeds.
When it became clear England had got in front, ‘Three Lions (Football’s Coming Home)’ rang out around Elland Road in the 37th minute. ‘Sweet Caroline’ of course followed at half-time when the final whistle had gone in the capital.
Struijk’s work in progress
Pascal Struijk has become the nominated left-back in Junior Firpo’s absence. Most of United’s attacks predictably went down their right as a result.
However, Struijk was used more after the break. He broke free of his shackles shortly after the 50th minute and galloped down the flank into space.
Patrick Bamford, confidence booming after his goal, was screaming for the cross to come in early as he attacked the box. It never arrived and the striker made sure Struijk knew what he needed to do next time.
Marsch and the Cagliari bench
Referee David Coote was not afraid to reach for his pocket when it was called for on Sunday evening, friendly or not. Each side was happy to get a little rough, which was always going to generate reactions on the touchline.
In the 69th minute, Marsch could not control himself after Coote penalised one of his players for a tackle on the opposition. The American’s reaction then drew the ire of the Cagliari bench. Words and gestures were exchanged.
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