Lewis Bate and Sam Greenwood have been spotted in first-team training ahead of Jesse Marsch’s first Premier League game in charge of Leeds United at Leicester City, as provided by the club’s official website.
During Marsch’s unveiling earlier this week, director of football Victor Orta went out of his way to explain exactly why a 48-year-old American without a shred of English football experience on his CV had been headhunted to replace the most iconic Leeds United manager since Don Revie.
Marsch, Orta says, brings a ’philosophy and style of football (that) aligns with that of the club and will suit the players very well’.
Can Jesse Marsch save Leeds United?
Now, Orta was not just referring to Marsch’s tactical approach; A high-pressing, possession-based gameplan similar to the one Marcelo Bielsa introduced at Elland Road.
But also Marsch’s excellent track record when it comes to developing and improving youngsters.
You don’t become a key cog in the Red Bull machine without being able to turn promising up-and-comers into top-level talents after all. There’s a reason why Erling Haaland, who scored 29 goals in 27 games as a teenager at Salzburg, speaks so highly of Jesse Marsch.
There’s a reason why Patson Daka, Enock Mwepu, Dominik Szoboszlai, Takumin Minamino, Hwang Hee Chan and more sealed big-money moves away from Austria after blossoming under the 2015 MLS Coach of the Year.
The present looks uncertain as far as Leeds United are concerned. Four successive defeats by an aggregate score of 17-2 dragging the club kicking and screaming into a relegation battle.
But the future, in theory, remains as bright as ever.
A chance for Lewis Bate?
Ahead of his Premier League bow against Leicester tomorrow lunchtime, Marsch took a leaf out of Bielsa’s book by including some of Leeds’ most exciting young talent in first-team training, alongside Patrick Bamford, Robin Koch, Ilan Meslier and co.
Eagle-eyed supporters will be able to spot Crysencio Summerville and Sam Greenwood. Two players who have earned a first-team chance after some superb performances at U23 level.
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