Here are the latest Leeds United evening headlines on Thursday, March 31.
Jesse Marsch gives Cooper and Phillips injury update
The international break has given Jesse Marsch the chance to work on the fitness of a few of the injured, and recovering, Leeds players. At 2pm on Saturday afternoon, all eyes will be on whether Liam Cooper and Kalvin Phillips’ names are in the starting XI after both were on the bench in the brilliant victory against Wolves.
Unsurprisingly, questions about their availability dominated Marsch’s pre-match press conference, and he said: “[They are] in contention to start. Both not fully 90 minutes fit, but really close. I don't think we can start both of them because it becomes two subs we may have to make.
“I’ve spoken to both and they are both feeling good. Looking even better. We’re excited to have them in the group now and believe they can have an impact.”
Read more: Jesse Marsch urged to push button on Leeds United's risky Kalvin Phillips Southampton strategy
The Leeds boss confirmed that they both played 45 minutes in a training match between the first team and the U23s last weekend. Read the rest of what Marsch had to say here as he delivered updates on the club’s transfer strategy, Patrick Bamford and the role of Joe Gelhardt, among plenty of other things.
Hassenhuttl provides Marsch verdict
Ralph Hassenhuttl will become the fifth Premier League manager to face Marsch as Leeds boss when the Austrian brings his Southampton side to Elland Road on Saturday. Although, it won’t be the first time the pair have met as their jobs with the respective Red Bull football clubs led to them meeting on several occasions.
The Saints head coach has been impressed by what he seen by his former colleague. Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Hassenhuttl was asked about the differences between Marsch and Bielsa, to which he said: "Yes, sure, everyone can see the difference. This team was known for a very man-oriented way of playing, now you see the opposite.
“I know Jesse from my time at Leipzig, he was there a few times visiting us and we had some good moments with him. We didn't work together, but we know each other and you can see this RB history and you can see a few typical habits in our play.
“He has found a team that suits him with his way of playing football and this is the reason why he has had a good impact with this team. He’s an outstanding character, he’s very close to the players.
“It was interesting to watch his development as a coach, I think the step he made was absolutely good. It’s the right way to go.”
Koch opens up on Leeds career so far
For much of his time at Leeds so far, Robin Koch has been left frustrated by recurring injuries that have kept him out of the team. Although, when he has been in the team, he has shown exactly why he was brought to the club whether in the heart of the defence or as part of a two-man midfield pivot.
In an interview with German outlet SWR Sport last week, he spoke about the differences between the supporters at his old club, Freiburg, and those at Elland Road. He said: "From the first day I was here, you realise people are crazy about Leeds United and crazy about football. You only have this club around here.
"When I arrived here and walked around the city a bit – of course, Leeds is different to Freiburg – I get talked to more often than when I was in Freiburg. I didn’t expect it to be so extreme at the beginning."
Koch also touched on what it was like to play without supporters during his first season at the club and how ‘it was very special’ when he was able to play in front of a packed Elland Road. Read more of what he said here.
