Micah Richards has told Leeds United that they must back their new manager this transfer window to give him the chance to succeed and put his rubberstamp on the squad ahead of the 2022/23 Premier League season. Coming in from RB Leipzig in February after the sacking of Marcelo Bielsa, American manager Jesse Marsch was able to steady the ship for Leeds, as they put in a string of good performances which kept them in contention to survive the drop.
Ultimately, it would come down to the final game of the season when they would need to better Burnley's result. The Lancashire side would lose to Newcastle, with Leeds securing their place in the top flight after a 94th minute winner from Jack Harrison to send Leeds fans into joyous pandemonium.
But next season will be a crucial one for Leeds. They'll need to bounce back from what was ultimately a disappointing campaign after so much was promised in their first season in the top flight, and new manager Marsch will know that he has work to do.
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And that work could be made even more difficult should they lose Raphinha, who has reportedly handed in a transfer request today.
Richards said on BBC's Monday Night Club that he hopes, whatever happens to players leaving, that the board and the fans back Marsch, as he'll look to build his squad this summer. He said: "Maybe Bielsa thought what he needed from his players was time. It’s easier saying they should’ve had this player. They should’ve got a striker in January.
"It depends on the finances, I think Marsch will be open-minded (to signings) for what Bielsa did all the fans still love him. In terms of Marsch, he’s done a brilliant job but can he get the players in that can take the team forward, he’s going to need backing and that’s what they need."
