Audible dissent from the Leeds United faithful was heard for the first time at Leicester City last week when the questions became too loud for Jesse Marsch to ignore. Losing so meekly to the Premier League’s then-worst side, after going winless in six, was too much to bear and the walls began to close in.
The withdrawal of Luis Sinisterra at King Power Stadium was questioned in a pointed way before Marcelo Bielsa’s name rang out in the latter stages. Marsch would only pour petrol on the skip fire by failing to acknowledge the thousands leaving Leicester after 10.15pm on a Thursday night.
Those travelling away from home will always represent the core fan base at any football club. Yes, you will have some with shorter trips than others, but generally, you’re looking at the thousands who trek from West Yorkshire to follow their team at any time in any weather for any expense.
READ NEXT: Leeds United scouts in attendance at Champions League tie to see wonderkid impress again
If you want an honest outlook from a fan base on how they feel about any one subject, the away die-hards are not a bad place to start. If Marsch and the board got their first real warning shot in the East Midlands, they’re about to get another on Merseyside.
After sinking into the top flight’s drop zone with a winless run which matches last term’s low point, some supporters are amazed the head coach remains in post. There has been no public vote of confidence in Marsch from the board, but no news seems to be good news as far as his employment is concerned.
As it stands, Leeds are rolling with the punches, taking criticism from some corners for their inaction, but staying true to the messages of support they have given Marsch since his arrival. Andrea Radrizzani, Angus Kinnear and Victor Orta have all waxed lyrical about Marsch’s credentials as the right man in the long term for Leeds.
Time will tell whether their approach is the right one, but they are about to get another quick-fire acid test of their ownership and Marsch’s coaching. If Leeds find some kind of fighting response at Anfield, they will get the reaction they deserve, but if, as the bookmakers believe, they are set for a hiding, it’s going to provoke the kind of noise to test any owner’s resolve.
Radrizzani has invested a lot of time and money into Leeds. It will be hard for him and the board to hear that kind of criticism. If it turns ugly on Saturday, his nerve and patience with Marsch is sure to feel the pressure of those die-hards away to his left.
There will be no hiding place at Liverpool. Can the head coach and ownership grit their teeth through another volley of anger from their own fans? Play well, turn the ship around and they won't have to.
READ NEXT:
Pascal Struijk's agent says Jesse Marsch decision boosting Leeds United star's World Cup chance
Anxiety seeping into Leeds United dressing-room decisions through this Jesse Marsch slide
Liverpool handed triple injury boost including Darwin Nunez ahead of Leeds United clash
Leeds United message to Elland Road calls for Jesse Marsch's head before Liverpool
'Demanding tactically and mentally' - What Leeds United's rivals have said about Marsch's side
