Marsch has criticism of Leeds training under Bielsa

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Jesse Marsch has told TalkSPORT that the Leeds United players he inherited from Marcelo Bielsa were “overtrained” and unable to recover from games. The American has guided Leeds to 10 points from their last four outings.

His best result came on Saturday, in a crucial relegation grudge match against Watford. A tight game was expected but Leeds blew Roy Hodgson’s side away – winning 3-0. Raphinha, Rodrigo and Jack Harrison scoring goals.

The win sees Leeds remain 16th but with Burnley losing to Norwich, they are now nine points clear of the drop zone. Burnley do have two games in hand but even if they win both of those, they remain three points behind.

There had been criticism of Bielsa for his demands behind the scenes; namely murderball and constant double sessions. Marsch says that the training was too much for the Leeds players – both mentally and physically.

“The injury issues had a lot to do with the training methodologies. These players were over-trained. They were physically, mentally in a difficult place to recover from week to week, game to game,” Marsch said.

“I have a specific methodology in the way I work, lots of running, but also having healthy, fit, strong players. We tried to put that into place. For the most part, we are getting healthy and strong with the entire group.”

Marsch on Bielsa training: Leeds boss can do no wrong right now

It must be said, firstly, that Marsch has been incredibly complimentary and full of praise for Bielsa – who is regarded as a legend in Yorkshire, having guided the Whites back to the Premier League for the first time in 16 years.

But as form worsened, training increased and towards the end of his tenure, Bielsa is said to have staged triple sessions at times. The Leeds players were not only devoid of confidence – but of any energy, too.

Marsch has released the shackles somewhat on his Leeds players and it has seen the return of Kalvin Phillips and Liam Cooper in recent weeks. Patrick Bamford was rushed back, but Leeds look good, thanks to Marsch.