Former New York Red Bulls defender Chris Duvall has recalled the touching gesture made by Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch after the tragic loss of his grandmother. Duvall has recently embarked on a coaching career as assistant manager of Charleston and spent a week learning from Marsch at Thorp Arch.
The 31-year-old shared a post on his Instagram account, praising the 'genuine care' that Marsch showed him after he received the sad news of his grandmother's passing.
"Swipe to the second picture to see why I chose to coach," Chris Duval wrote. "The picture was taken following the final whistle of the first ever NYRB [New York Red Bulls] vs NYCFC [New York City] derby.
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"The night before this match, my grandmother passed. I showed up to the game in a shambles, refusing to play. Jesse Marsch not only convinced me to honour her by playing one of the best games of my career, but he bought me a one-way ticket home to be with family.
"Upon arrival at the funeral home there were flowers from him to my family. He did this not to buy my loyalty but because he genuinely cares for his players, and in turn his players would run to the ends of the earth for him.
"This is the kind of coach I one day hope to be. Thank you Jesse Marsch for having me for an incredible week of learning at Leeds. And congratulations on the huge 3 points at Anfield. Can't wait to see how far Leeds can go!"
Duvall played the full 90 minutes as the Red Bulls prevailed 2-1 against their local rivals at the Red Bull Arena in May 2015. He played more games (45) under Marsch during his career than any other manager and won the MLS Supporters' Shield in 2015.
After three seasons in New York, Duvall featured for Montreal Impact, Houston Dynamo, Portland Timbers and FC Cincinnati in the MLS, before hanging his boots up at the age of 30.
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