Leeds United

2 things you might’ve missed Jesse Marsch say after Leeds United held to Southampton draw

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Leeds United drew 2-2 at St Mary’s against Southampton thanks to a brace from Rodrigo.

The first half was fairly uneventful, with Leeds having most of the possession and territory without creating very much in the final third.

Leeds came out flying in the second half, scoring within a minute of restarting thanks to Jack Harrison’s low cross for Rodrigo. He then nodded in from a yard out after a header from Pascal Struijk from a corner to put Leeds two up and in control.

But it wasn’t to be for The Whites, as Southampton came back to draw the game 2-2. A disappointing day in the end for Jesse Marsch’s side who also lost Patrick Bamford in the first half to yet another injury.

But what did Marsch have to say about it? Here’s two things you might have missed…

Injury update on key players

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 13: Patrick Bamford of Leeds United interacts with Daniel James of Leeds United after being substituted off during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Leeds United at Friends Provident St. Mary’s Stadium on August 13, 2022 in Southampton, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images)

Speaking in his post-match press conference, as quoted by Leeds Live, Marsch said: “Bamford is not bad. Felt tightness in [his] adductor. Training this week. [We] challenged him to be honest with us and he felt not 100 per cent, so he did not want to stress it.”

Excellent news ahead of the game against Chelsea at Elland Road. Let’s hope it’s not too soon for the star striker.

Marsch added: “Joffy [Joe Gelhardt] was injured this week and we wanted to manage him with more games to come. [It’s] a dead leg, [but we] did not want to push him, [he will be] training this week. Liam [Cooper] picked up something yesterday; hopefully back soon.”

Leeds’ bench included the likes of Luis Sinisterra, Dan James, Mateusz Klich, and Adam Forshaw against Southampton, much improved upon a bench of largely inexperienced players from the previous weekend against Wolves. This news could mean Leeds are close to full strength against Chelsea on Sunday.

Quiz: Are these 15 facts about Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch true or false?

1 of 15

Jesse Marsch started his senior playing career with Chicago Fire.

Marsch accepts blame

The Leeds boss also hastened to add that, despite his frustration at dropping points, he was partly to blame for the result, he said: “At 2-1 we switched to five at the back and we got beat down the half-lane. Tactically, to make that switch and still get beat is painful, [but it’s] still a young team. Adam [Forshaw] went on late to help settle things. Some changes looking back could have been made earlier to manipulate the game with some guys off the bench.”

He still wanted to take the positives from the game, seeing the progress in the team and their adaptation further to his style of play. He said: “When you remove the emotion, because it’s high, you see clearly we’re making progress as a team. For me, [there’s] still so much room for improvement and room for potential; clarity of the model and ideas on the pitch played at a higher level. Half-full, but we wanted it all the way full.”

Do Leeds need to sign another striker this summer?

Yes

Yes

No

No

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