Slaven Bilic has claimed that Jesse Marsch’s decision to form a team huddle after Leeds United’s 1-0 defeat to Leicester City was ‘a bit unusual’, as he told Premier League Productions (05/03/22 at 8:50 pm).
But the former Premier League boss added that this morale-sapped Leeds side ‘need everything’, including ‘team hugs’, so he agreed with his actions.
After Marsch lost his debut match as Leeds boss, he formed a huddle out on the pitch and was seen giving a rousing speech to his players.
Even though they walked away from the King Power empty-handed, it was some performance from the club and a number of encouraging signs displayed by the Yorkshire side.
Nonetheless, when Bilic was asked about Marsch’s actions after the full-time whistle, he issued this response.
“They need everything,” said Bilic. “They need team hugs. They need team bonding, they need love and that confidence.
“This is not a bad idea. It’s a bit unusual for the Premier League or for Europe, but why not at the end? Their situation is bad.”
Marsch can’t dwell on Leeds’ defeat at the King Power Stadium for too long because they lock horns with another Midlands side on Thursday night.
Leeds will host Aston Villa on home soil – less than a month after their enthralling and action-packed 3-3 draw at Villa Park.
During that period, Steven Gerrard’s side were going through some indifferent form, but things have picked up of late.
Villa have won back-to-back matches, they have kept back-to-back clean sheets and they thrashed in-form Southampton 4-0 on Saturday.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
